On July 18, a geomagnetic disturbance might occur due to a massive coronal hole on the Sun

Solar flare sun in the univers coronal mass ejection (Photo Credit - Canva)

According to the forecast of the Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC), it was reported that on July 18, there will be a geomagnetic disturbance on Earth. This will be caused due to the Sun having fired off two coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

The geomagnetic disturbance is not that intense enough to come under the category of geomagnetic storm, and such events are not uncommon. The Earth’s magnetic field is predicted to be quiet through early July 17, with unsettled-to-active levels expected later today on July 18.

No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are anticipated3. It’s important to note that these solar events are monitored closely, and there is no cause for alarm for the general public.

Previously there was a high-speed stream from the other point of the Sun where another coronal hole resulted in minor geomagnetic storming on 13th July.

Coronal holes are cooler, less dense regions on the Sun's surface caused by the Sun's magnetic field. These areas occur where the Sun's magnetic field stretches out into space instead of looping back onto the Sun.

This open magnetic field configuration permits solar wind to escape more easily into space, creating streams of relatively fast solar wind. Coronal holes can form anywhere on the Sun but tend to be more common and long-lasting around the solar minimum.

Earth can be affected by geomagnetic disturbances in a number of ways, especially in terms of technology. The solar wind and Earth's magnetic field combine to produce geomagnetic storms, a kind of geomagnetic disruption.