Skip to navigation | Skip to content  New model predicts angry
solar storms  AR 11283  A new simulation of a coronal mass
ejection from a Sunspot known as AR 11283 could result in better
solar storm predictions in the future (Source: NASA)  Solar
Storm Predictions Scientists are a step closer to predicting
dangerous solar storms that could black out mobile phones, fry
satellites and shut down power grids.  The research reported in
The Astrophysical Journal Letters outlines a set of mathematical
models, which accurately replicated the events leading up to a
coronal mass ejection from the Sun.  Coronal mass ejections are
powerful eruptions capable of ejecting billions of tonnes of
highly charged particles into space at speeds of several million
kilometres per hour.  A direct hit from one of these geomagnetic
storms can deform Earth's magnetic field, generating the
spectacular glowing auroras in the night sky.  However, they can
also overload power grid transformers causing widespread
blackouts, disrupt radio co