南非观测到极强地磁暴

Core Viewpoint - A geomagnetic storm triggered by a solar storm reached G5 (extreme) level in South Africa on January 20, 2023, impacting satellite performance and wireless communication [1] Group 1: Solar Activity - A prolonged X1.9 solar flare on January 18 initiated a coronal mass ejection, leading to charged particles reaching Earth and causing a geomagnetic storm [1] - The geomagnetic storm escalated to G4 (severe) level on the evening of January 19 before reaching G5 (extreme) level early on January 20 [1] Group 2: Geomagnetic Storm Metrics - The Kp index, which measures the intensity of geomagnetic storms, peaked at 9 during the G5 storm, indicating a high level of disturbance in Earth's magnetic field [1] - On January 20 at 6:21 AM, the Earth experienced a Kp value of 6, with solar wind speeds reaching 900 kilometers per second, while the geomagnetic storm intensity in Hermanus was recorded at Kp value 7 [1] Group 3: Effects and Observations - Geomagnetic storms can cause significant disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere, potentially affecting satellite operations and wireless communications [1] - Residents in parts of South Africa's Western Cape shared photos of auroras on social media, which are more vibrant during stronger geomagnetic storms [1]