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Videos and images associated with solar storms and their impact on our planet.

Images

Electrical resistivity at lower-crustal depths (35 km) beneath the contiguous U.S. The architecture of the nation is revealed at this depth with warm colors marking active extension beneath the western U.S. The cratonic building blocks are resistive (cool colors) and were joined throughout geologic time along linear conductive sutures beneath the central and eastern U.S
CONUS Electrical resistivity at 35km
CONUS Electrical resistivity at 35km
CONUS Electrical resistivity at 35km

Electrical resistivity at lower-crustal depths (35 km) beneath the contiguous U.S. The architecture of the nation is revealed at this depth with warm colors marking active extension beneath the western U.S.

Electrical resistivity at lower-crustal depths (35 km) beneath the contiguous U.S. The architecture of the nation is revealed at this depth with warm colors marking active extension beneath the western U.S.

A moving image of dots across the USA that displays the installation of USMTArray stations.
Installation of USMTArray stations
Installation of USMTArray stations
Installation of USMTArray stations

A moving image of dots across the USA that displays the installation of USMTArray stations.

A well-traveled data logger used over the course of the USMTArray. Custom MT instruments purchased at the start of the USMTArray supported the 18 year effort.
IMG_4954.jpg
IMG_4954.jpg
IMG_4954.jpg

A well-traveled data logger used over the course of the USMTArray. Custom MT instruments purchased at the start of the USMTArray supported the 18 year effort.

A well-traveled data logger used over the course of the USMTArray. Custom MT instruments purchased at the start of the USMTArray supported the 18 year effort.

graphic of solar cycles, starting with solar cycle 9 in 1850 until solar cycle 25 today
SOLAR CYCLES AND INCREASED SUNSPOT ACTIVITY
SOLAR CYCLES AND INCREASED SUNSPOT ACTIVITY
SOLAR CYCLES AND INCREASED SUNSPOT ACTIVITY

The graphic shows the last 17 solar cycles and their related increased sunspot activity. A solar cycle is a roughly 11-year periodic change in the Sun characterized by variations in the number and intensity of sunspots, as well as a flipping of its magnetic poles.

The graphic shows the last 17 solar cycles and their related increased sunspot activity. A solar cycle is a roughly 11-year periodic change in the Sun characterized by variations in the number and intensity of sunspots, as well as a flipping of its magnetic poles.

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space. Top: CME is generated as an outflow of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, moving through space to Earth over a matter of hours. Bottom: The magnetic fields of the CME and outflowing solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from greater effect.

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space. Top: CME is generated as an outflow of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, moving through space to Earth over a matter of hours. Bottom: The magnetic fields of the CME and outflowing solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from greater effect.

Image: Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory
Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory

Front gates at Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory during installation, before landscaping to eliminate standing water.

Front gates at Shumagin Geomagnetic Observatory during installation, before landscaping to eliminate standing water.

Videos

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5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society
5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society

Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.

Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.

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5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society (AD)
5 Geomagnetic Storms that Reshaped Society (AD)

Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.

Every 11 years the Sun's magnetic field flips. This period is referred to as a solar cycle. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, activity on the Sun’s surface will increase, including more solar flares, sunspots, and coronal mass ejections.

Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms
Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms
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.

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.

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