Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Climate Change (Space Technology)
Source: The Times of India, NASA
What’s the News?
NASA confirmed that Earth has experienced the strongest geomagnetic storm of 2025, rated G5 (Extreme) — the highest category on the geomagnetic scale.
Triggered by multiple Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), the event caused auroras to be visible at unusually low latitudes and disrupted communication and navigation systems.
Key Concepts
Concept | Explanation |
| Solar Storm / CME | A massive burst of charged particles and magnetic fields ejected from the Sun’s corona. |
| Solar Wind | Stream of charged particles emitted from the Sun’s upper atmosphere that interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. |
| Geomagnetic Storm | Temporary disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar wind and CME impacts. |
| Auroras | Luminous displays (Aurora Borealis & Australis) produced when charged particles collide with atmospheric gases near the poles. |
Impacts of Geomagnetic Storms
Area | Impact |
| Satellites & Communication | Signal loss, GPS errors, and satellite drag due to atmospheric heating. |
| Power Grids | Voltage fluctuations and possible transformer failures due to induced currents. |
| Aviation & Space Missions | Rerouting of polar flights, increased radiation exposure for astronauts. |
| Climate Observation Systems | Temporary disruptions in remote sensing and navigation satellites. |
Scientific Missions Studying the Sun & Space Weather
Mission / Agency | Objective |
| Parker Solar Probe (NASA) | Study solar corona and solar wind close to the Sun. |
| Solar Orbiter (ESA–NASA) | Observe solar poles and magnetic fields. |
| Aditya-L1 (ISRO) | India’s first solar mission to study the Sun’s corona and solar radiation from the Lagrange point. |
| SOHO (ESA–NASA) | Long-term solar observation and space weather monitoring. |
Ways to Shield Earth Systems
- Upgrade space-weather forecasting and early-warning networks.
- Harden power grids and satellites using magnetic shielding.
- Establish redundant communication systems and satellite backup links.
- Strengthen international coordination for space-weather response (WMO, NOAA, ISRO, NASA collaboration).
UPSC Prelims Practice Question:
With reference to geomagnetic storms, consider the following statements:
- They are caused by solar wind and coronal mass ejections disturbing Earth’s magnetosphere.
- The Parker Solar Probe and Aditya-L1 are missions designed to study solar activity.
- A G5-level storm represents moderate disturbance on the geomagnetic scale.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
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