What are the hazards of magnetic storms?
Our technology-based infrastructure can be adversely affected by rapid magnetic-field variations. This is especially true during “magnetic storms."
- Because the ionosphere is heated and distorted during storms, long-range radio communication that relies on sub-ionospheric reflection can be difficult or impossible and global-positioning system (GPS) communications can be degraded.
- Ionospheric expansion can increase satellite drag and make their orbits difficult to control.
- During magnetic storms, satellite electronics can be damaged through the build up and discharge of static-electric charges. Astronauts and high-altitude pilots can be subjected to increased levels of radiation.
- Even though rapid magnetic-field variations are generated by currents in space, very real effects can result down here on the Earth’s surface. That includes voltage surges in power grids that cause blackouts.
Learn more: Keeping the Lights on in North America
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Geomagnetism Program research plan, 2020–2024
The Geomagnetism Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitors geomagnetic field variation through operation of a network of observatories across the United States and its territories, and it pursues scientific research needed to estimate and assess geomagnetic and geoelectric hazards. Over the next five years (2020–2024 inclusive) and in...
Love, Jeffrey J.; Kelbert, Anna; Murphy, Benjamin S.; Rigler, E. Joshua; Lewis, Kristen A.
On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America
A review is given of the present feasibility for accurately mapping geoelectric fields across North America in near-realtime by modeling geomagnetic monitoring and magnetotelluric survey data. Should this capability be successfully developed, it could inform utility companies of magnetic-storm interference on electric-power-grid systems. That real...
Love, Jeffrey J.; Rigler, E. Joshua; Kelbert, Anna; Finn, Carol A.; Bedrosian, Paul A.; Balch, Christopher C.
Magnetic monitoring in Saguaro National Park
On a sandy, arid plain, near the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center of Saguaro National Park, tucked in among brittlebush, creosote, and other hardy desert plants, is an unusual type of observatory—a small unmanned station that is used for monitoring the Earth’s variable magnetic field. Named for the nearby city of Tucson, Arizona, the observatory...
Love, Jeffrey J.; Finn, Carol; Gamez Valdez, Yesenia C.; Swann, Don
The Boulder magnetic observatory
The Boulder magnetic observatory has, since 1963, been operated by the Geomagnetism Program of the U.S. Geological Survey in accordance with Bureau and national priorities. Data from the observatory are used for a wide variety of scientific purposes, both pure and applied. The observatory also supports developmental projects within the...
Love, Jeffrey J.; Finn, Carol A.; Pedrie, Kolby L.; Blum, Cletus C.
U.S. Geological Survey natural hazards science strategy— Promoting the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation
Executive SummaryThe mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in natural hazards is to develop and apply hazard science to help protect the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Nation. The costs and consequences of natural hazards can be enormous, and each year more people and infrastructure are at risk. USGS scientific research—...
Holmes, Robert R.; Jones, Lucile M.; Eidenshink, Jeffery C.; Godt, Jonathan W.; Kirby, Stephen H.; Love, Jeffrey J.; Neal, Christina A.; Plant, Nathaniel G.; Plunkett, Michael L.; Weaver, Craig S.; Wein, Anne; Perry, Suzanne C.
Monitoring the Earth's dynamic magnetic field
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey's Geomagnetism Program is to monitor the Earth's magnetic field. Using ground-based observatories, the Program provides continuous records of magnetic field variations covering long timescales; disseminates magnetic data to various governmental, academic, and private institutions; and conducts research...
Love, Jeffrey J.; Applegate, David; Townshend, John B.
On the watch for geomagnetic storms
Geomagnetic storms, induced by solar activity, pose significant hazards to satellites, electrical power distribution systems, radio communications, navigation, and geophysical surveys. Strong storms can expose astronauts and crews of high-flying aircraft to dangerous levels of radiation. Economic losses from recent geomagnetic storms have run into...
Green, Arthur W.; Brown, William M.
New U.S. Geological Survey Report Assesses Risk of Once-Per-Century Geomagnetic Superstorm to the Northeastern United States
A new report and map published by the U.S. Geological Survey provides critical insight to electric power grid operators across the northeastern United States in the event of a once-per-century magnetic superstorm.
New 3D Measurements Improve Understanding of Geomagnetic Storm Hazards
Measurements of the three-dimensional structure of the earth, as opposed to the one-dimensional models typically used, can help scientists more accurately determine which areas of the United States are most vulnerable to blackouts during hazardous geomagnetic storms.
Mapping a Space-Weather Menace to Electric-Power Grids
New strides have been made toward quantifying how geomagnetic storms can interfere with the nation’s electric-power grid systems.
Getting Down to Earth with Space Hazards
Magnetic storms can interfere with the operation of electric power grids and damage grid infrastructure. They can also disrupt directional drilling for oil and gas, radio communications, communication satellites and GPS systems.
USGS, NOAA Mark 50 Years of Geomagnetic Research at Corbin, Va.
On May 23, 1956, a research center and observatory opened at Corbin, Va. to continuously monitor the Earth's magnetic field. It was charged by Congress "to enhance geomagnetic field studies and monitoring programs in support of scientific, general public, basic and national security needs of the United States."
Aurora
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's VISIONS—VISualizing Ion Outflow via Neutral atom imaging during a Substorm—sounding rocket mission is studying what makes auroras and how they affect Earth’s atmosphere. The VISIONS rocket was launched at night in Poker Flats, Alaska, in February 2013. Credit: Joshua Strang, U.S. Air Force
Giant Sunspot Erupts on October 24, 2014
Active Region 12192 on the sun erupted with a strong flare on October 24, 2014, prominent in the bright light of this image captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. This image shows extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the hot solar material in the sun's atmosphere. Credit: NASA
A rare but powerful magnetic superstorm
A rare but powerful magnetic superstorm could cause continent-wide loss of electricity and cost the Nation in excess of $1 trillion.
Simulation showing how geoelectric vectors (black)
Simulation showing how geoelectric vectors (black) would vary across the midwestern United States for hypothetical magnetic variation (green). Geographic differences in geoelectric vectors are the result of complex conductivity within the Earth. Credit: USGS
Graphic showing how the geoelectric vectors (black) can vary with location during a magnetic storm.
Graphic showing how the geoelectric vectors (black) can vary with location during a magnetic storm. Locations with cool colors (blue and green) and long lines represent relatively higher hazards for impacts on Earth’s surface from a magnetic storm. Locations with warm colors (red and orange) and short vectors represent relatively lower hazards for impacts from a
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Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms
Space weather can have important consequences for our lives, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation. It is also during magnetic storms that beautiful aurora
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Sign at the entrance to Shumagin geomagnetic observatory.
Sitka Geomagnetic Observatory
Absolutes building at Sitka magnetic observatory Alaska.
Deadhorse Geomagnetic Observatory
Commo shack at Deadhorse geomagnetic observatory.
Deadhorse Geomagnetic Observatory
Absolutes pier curing at Deadhorse geomagnetic observatory.