Environment

This famous “battle zone” refers to a phase of the solar cycle during which the appearance of giant coronal holes is observed on the sun. The phenomenon in question could have disastrous consequences for satellites orbiting planet Earth.

As GEO points out, this “battle zone” period occurs after a peak of solar activity. According to space weather experts at Lynker Space, the peak of solar activity, also called “solar maximum,” should be reached earlier than expected. As a result, the “battle zone” could occur prematurely, in 2025. The vice president of Lynker Space, also a solar physicist, doesn't see the arrival of the phenomenon in a good light. He also told Live Science that “the potential for significant and dangerous geomagnetic storms in the coming years is very real”.

Solar activity, how it works

GEO sheds light on how solar activity works, governed by cycles of approximately 11 years. Every 11 years, the sun's magnetic pole reverses, in other words, it goes from a weakening magnetic activity to a gaining magnetic activity. It's during this period of high magnetic activity that powerful solar flares will explode on the surface of the sun, projecting clouds of charged particles onto the Earth.

The sun, since 2019, has entered this phase of high magnetic activity. Its solar maximum should be reached in 2030. But... Since solar activity has intensified sharply in recent years, experts predict that the peak of solar activity (solar maximum) should be reached during the year 2025. In November, scientists confirmed the hypothesis, stating that the solar maximum had already begun and that it could extend for a year or more. This is why the battle zone will arrive sooner than expected.

Strong gusts of solar wind

Weather experts are worried because during the sun's "battle zone" phase, the Earth will be hit by as many solar storms as are currently counted. In addition, at the end of what scientists call the "Hale cycle" (which corresponds to the 22 years that elapse after two consecutive 11-year cycles), solar magnetic bands confront each other and engage in a showdown, GEO specifies. This battle will lead to the formation of coronal holes as well as dark spots that will cross the solar corona. These holes are dangerous because of their ability to generate short but intense gusts of solar wind.

But don't panic; for us humans, the "battle zone" doesn't pose a major threat.

(MH with AsD - Source: GEO - Illustration: Unsplash)