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Geomagnetic storms, often triggered by solar activity, can have a significant impact on satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). These storms result from coronal mass ejections, where bursts of plasma expelled from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. One such event occurred in February 2022, coinciding with SpaceX’s 36th Starlink launch.

The geomagnetic storm injected a large amount of electromagnetic energy into Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating beautiful auroral displays. However, for the Starlink satellites, which were initially launched at a lower altitude of 210 kilometers, the increased air density caused by the storm resulted in atmospheric drag. As a result, 38 out of the 49 satellites were lost as they were pulled back towards Earth.

Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with peaks of increased activity. During these peaks, geomagnetic storms become more common. The current solar cycle, Cycle 25, has already proven surprising, with solar activity exceeding predictions. This means that there has been an increase in geomagnetic storms, leading to more frequent auroral displays and potentially hazardous conditions for LEO satellites.

Geomagnetic storms have various effects on Earth’s upper atmosphere. Changes in the ionospheric composition can disrupt high-frequency radio communication, leading to radio blackouts and signal degradation. Extreme storms can also cause prolonged electricity outages, as experienced by Hydro-Québec in 1989.

Detecting and predicting geomagnetic storms is crucial for mitigating their effects. Solar flares can be observed leaving the surface of the sun, providing advance warning of impending storms. Real-time data from ground-based radar and satellite magnetometers enable the estimation of space weather energy entering the atmosphere. However, predicting storms with certainty is challenging due to the complex interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind.

Overall, geomagnetic storms pose risks to satellites in LEO. Understanding and monitoring space weather conditions is essential for ensuring the resilience of satellite systems and minimizing potential damage caused by these natural events.

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