Solar tornadoes could trigger hidden geomagnetic storms

Researchers modelled the movement of charged particles in the solar wind. They discovered small, tornado-like magnetic structures, known as flux ropes. As they move through interplanetary space, these flux ropes undergo a lot of spinning.

These whirlwinds of magnetic energy may be providing the missing piece of geomagnetic storms that happen even when no abundance of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are being pointed directly at the Earth.

The Hidden Architects of Space Weather

New models have proposed that, in addition to the most significant driver of space weather being large solar flares and one of the most insignificant drivers of space weather being coronal mass ejections (CMEs), there could also be smaller magnetic events that we cannot see but happen locally between the Sun and Earth.

These miniature storms could twist and strengthen as they interact with solar wind streams. This will ultimately lash Earth’s magnetic field.

Rewriting the Rules of Solar Forecasting

Traditional space weather simulations use coarse resolutions that overlook these subtle features. By refining their model grid precisely along the likely flux rope paths, scientists have now visualised their evolution in unprecedented detail.

If verified through satellite observation, the finding could transform how forecasters predict space weather, emphasising that not all cosmic trouble begins at the Sun’s surface. Sometimes, the storm brews in the quiet darkness of space itself.