During which type of solar weather would one predict power grid operations on Earth could degrade?
Responses:
a) solar wind
b) solar flares
c) coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
d) solar energetic particles
c) coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
Which statement summarizes how Portuguese traders amplified the slave trade?
During solar weather events, such as solar wind, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar energetic particles, there is a possibility that power grid operations on Earth could degrade.
The type of solar weather during which one could predict power grid operations on Earth to degrade is b) solar flares, c) coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and d) solar energetic particles.
Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that occur on the surface of the Sun. They release a large amount of energy, including X-rays and charged particles. When these charged particles reach Earth, they can interfere with satellite communications, disrupt GPS signals, and cause power outages by overloading power grids.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. These eruptions can release billions of tons of matter into space and can travel at high speeds. When a CME interacts with Earth's magnetic field, it can cause geomagnetic storms. These storms can induce powerful electric currents in power grids, overwhelming transformers and other electrical infrastructure.
Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are high-energy charged particles, such as protons and electrons, that are accelerated by solar flares and CMEs. When these particles reach Earth, they can pose a radiation hazard to astronauts and can impact the operation of satellites and other spacecraft. However, they can also disrupt power grid operations by causing electrical disturbances and damaging sensitive electronic components.
To predict the impact of solar flares, CMEs, and SEPs on power grid operations, scientists and forecasters rely on a combination of space weather monitoring, data analysis, and computer models. They track the development and propagation of solar flares and CMEs using satellites and ground-based observatories. By analyzing the characteristics of these events and their associated particles, they can make predictions about the potential impact on Earth and take measures to mitigate their effects.
In summary, it is during solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and solar energetic particle events that one would predict power grid operations on Earth to potentially degrade.