Will we see more Northern Lights this week?

did you know ? The Earth constantly shields us from the Sun: the atmosphere (made up of several layers, including the ionosphere) blocks part of its rays, while the magnetosphere deflects the solar wind. Some particularly strong and well-directed solar flares can nevertheless create disturbances on our planet: this is the case. Sun burn. Along with them is a coronal mass ejection (CME), a cloud of solar plasma that changes the shape of Earth’s magnetic field and affects the ionosphere. A magnetic storm then occurs, creating an aurora borealis CNRS details.

>> Read more: Video: Strange aurora borealis appears in France and UK

The May 7 solar storm is causing new sky revelations this week

Space weather is highly unpredictable. According to Spaceweather.com, the solar flare on Sunday May 7 was weaker than expected and did not cause a major geomagnetic storm. However, the radiation associated with this event caused minor radio blackouts on Earth. It is now accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) heading towards our planet. It will emerge on Earth on Wednesday, May 10, this time triggering moderate to strong geomagnetic activity and intensifying the appearance of the spectacular Aurora Borealis.

Towards frequent solar storms and aurora borealis?

If the events are more or less important according to the years, this is because the Sun evolves according to one cycle (11 years). Its activity increases to a peak and then decreases. The next solar maximum is expected in the summer of 2025. Expect the appearance of new phenomena in the sky over the next two years.

>> ALSO READ: Next solar maximum (2025) to be more intense than previous ones