According to the space weather histories in the first half year in 2025, the geomagnetic storms expected to be caused by the peak of solar activity anticipated in last half year 2025, with intensity potentially reaching Kp=8–9 (Severe G4–Extreme G5 class), triggered by a massive Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) directly impacting the Earth.
1. The Mechanism: Solar "Storm" Impact on Earth
Cause:
- Solar eruptions (e.g., flares, CMEs) eject billions of tons of charged particles at supersonic speeds (hundreds km/s). Upon Earth impact, they distort the magnetosphere, causing intense disturbances — a geomagnetic storm.
- This event may originates from a large-scale solar filament disappearance (similar to the April 2024 event that caused a G5 storm). The resulting "full-halo" CME exhibits wide angular width and high velocity.
What NASA Is Learning from the Biggest Geomagnetic Storm in 20 Years - NASA Science
What Will Solar Cycle 25 Look Like? - NASA
Sources:
2. Critical Risks: Historical Precedents & Current Threats
Historical Events:
- 1989: Quebec grid collapse (9-hour blackout due to transformer damage from Geomagnetically Induced Currents/GICs).
- 2003: "Halloween Storms" disabled Japan's ADEOS-2 satellite; massive GPS positioning errors .
- 2024: G5 storm degraded SpaceX Starlink satellites (orbital decay acceleration).
The Sun Is Dragging Starlink Satellites Out of the Sky
Core Principle: Prepare for up to 2 weeks of intermittent network disruption.
Primary Threats (This Event):
- Telecommunication Disruptions: Ionospheric scintillation may degrade HF/VHF radio, cellular networks, and satellite internet (e.g., Starlink latency/packet loss). GPS/GNSS positioning errors could reach 50 to 100m.
- LEO Satellite Anomalies: Thermospheric expansion increases atmospheric drag, risking uncontrolled orbital decay (e.g., ISS reboosting required).
- Power Grid Stability (Low Probability): Modern grids have GIC mitigation; localized issues possible only under extreme G5 conditions.
3. Mitigation Strategy: 14-Day Preparedness Checklist
Communication Redundancy:
- Battery-powered AM/FM radio (receives emergency broadcasts via NWR/SAME/EBS).
Offline Materials:
- Navigation: Pre-downloaded offline maps (OsmAnd/Google Maps); paper topographic charts.
- Finance: 2 weeks of cash reserves (ATMs/electronic payments may fail).
- Information: Hand-crank emergency radio (receives NOAA/Civil Defense alerts/Emergency Broadcast System).
Essential Supplies (14-Day Minimum to 21-Day Maximum):
Water & Food
Water (4L/person/day); canned goods; lyophilized meals; infant formula
Medical
2x prescription meds; trauma kit; water purification tablets
Energy
Solar chargers; high-capacity power banks; candles + matches
Sanitation
Toilet paper; hand sanitizer
4. Monitoring & Early Warning Systems
Official Tracking:
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (www.swpc.noaa.gov): Issues G1–G5 storm watches. For English Users
- China Meteorological Administration-Space Weather Center (www.sepc.ac.cn): Real-time flare/CME alerts. For Chinese Users
Critical Pre-Event Actions (48–72h prior):
- Refuel vehicles (gas station payment systems may vulnerable).
- Establish family rendezvous points (analog fallback).
- Backup critical data locally + offline storage.
5. Clarifying Misconceptions
Rumor: "Geomagnetic storms cause headaches/insomnia."
Fact: Earth's magnetosphere blocks the majority of solar particles. No direct health side effects are scientifically validated. Symptoms likely psychosomatic.Rumor: "All power grids will fail."
Fact: Grids with GIC monitors/blocking devices are resilient. Only unprotected transformers in high-latitude regions will face the potential risks and challenges during G5 events.6. Act NOW
Geomagnetic storms are natural phenomena, not apocalyptic events. Their threat lies in disruption—not destruction. Mitigate risks via:
- Immediate: Procure comms backups; download offline maps.
- By June 20: Stockpile 14-day supplies; finalize family emergency plans.
- During Event: Avoid network-dependent operations (e.g., drone flights, cloud services).
Humanity's resilience is built on preparedness.
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