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Geomagnetic storms, such as the one that caused the destruction of several Starlink satellites in February 2022, are a result of solar activity and can have a significant impact on satellites and communication systems. During these storms, the sun emits large bursts of plasma known as coronal mass ejections, which interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and enter the upper atmosphere, leading to changes in ionospheric composition and increased air density.

The Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX, were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the geomagnetic storm. Initially placed in a low-Earth orbit of 210 kilometers, closer to Earth than usual operational altitudes, the increased air density caused atmospheric drag, ultimately leading to the loss of 38 out of the 49 satellites launched. This event highlighted the risks associated with space weather and the importance of considering the effects of geomagnetic storms on satellite missions.

Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with periods of increased and decreased activity. Geomagnetic storms are more common during the peak of this cycle, characterized by higher sunspot numbers and solar flares. With the current solar cycle, Cycle 25, already showing unexpected levels of activity, we can expect more geomagnetic storms and auroral displays, potentially impacting satellite operations and communication systems.

While the consequences of geomagnetic storms are not always visible, they can disrupt radio communication systems. Changes in ionospheric composition during these storms can lead to radio blackouts, affecting long-distance communication, military and maritime systems, aviation communication, and ham radio. Severe storms can even cause extended power outages, as experienced by Hydro-Québec in 1989.

To mitigate the impact of such events, space weather warning systems have been established to monitor solar activity and provide forewarning for certain types of storms. Real-time monitoring using ground-based radar and satellites’ magnetometers allows for the estimation of electromagnetic space weather energy entering the atmosphere almost instantaneously. However, predicting the effects of geomagnetic storms remains challenging as it depends on the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind.

The loss of Starlink satellites during the geomagnetic storm serves as a reminder of the immense power of the universe and the need to understand and prepare for the impact of space weather on satellite missions and communication systems.

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