Stormy surprise: Unexpected radiation belts linger after solar blast
In May 2024, a powerful solar storm significantly impacted our planet, with effects reaching even the ocean floor. Due to a series of solar flares, our planet experienced a substantial influx of particles originating from the Sun. This phenomenon disrupted the Earth's magnetic field and illuminated the sky in various parts of the world with a remarkable display of colours.
In May 2024, the Earth experienced a powerful solar storm, whose effects were felt globally. Following a series of solar flares, our planet was struck by a potent stream of solar particles, which disturbed the magnetic field and caused the appearance of various phenomena such as the polar auroras. The colourful sky appeared at much lower latitudes than usual. According to the Science Alert portal, the effects of the electromagnetic storm are extensive.
New radiation belts
After the storm, the Earth was enveloped by two new radiation belts composed of high-energy particles trapped by the planet's magnetic field. Although this phenomenon had been observed before after strong geomagnetic storms, the solar storm in May 2024 brought something never detected before: energetic protons in one of the new belts.
Radiation belts are a normal part of the planet's architecture associated with the global magnetic field. Stars constantly emit particles, which, when interacting with the magnetic fields of planets, become trapped, forming extensive belts around the planet. The Earth has two permanent radiation belts, known as the Van Allen belts: the inner one, closer to the planet, and the outer one, surrounding both.
The belts are maintained and replenished by solar particles, which is not surprising given the increase in particle emissions caused by flares and coronal mass ejections during the solar storm. This increase in emissions affects the quantity of particles in the belts.
Surprising discovery
Scientists studying the effects of last year's solar storm discovered something intriguing. Based on data collected by NASA's CubeSat, they found that between the two Van Allen belts, two additional belts appeared: one mainly composed of electrons and the other containing energetic protons. Interestingly, the proton belt had never been observed before.
Research published in "Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics" shows that the new belts lasted significantly longer than previous temporary radiation belts created by solar storms: three months compared to the weeks we would normally expect. Subsequent solar storms in June and August 2024 removed most of the particles from orbit, significantly reducing the belts' density. However, a small number still remain, orbiting the Earth. Moreover, the proton belt may remain intact for over a year.
Ongoing measurements will help scientists determine its durability and decay rate. This information is crucial because particles in orbit around the Earth may pose a threat to satellites. Understanding the particle density and the effects of solar storms could assist engineers in developing strategies to protect our technology. For now, the threat from the new radiation belts is yet to be determined. Future studies will be needed to assess the risk they may pose.
