For a few hours, some satellites experienced electrical failure and at the same time, radio communications at high latitudes were also disrupted. Which is an astronomer most likely to predict was the cause?(1 point)
Responses
coronal mass ejections
coronal mass ejections
a geomagnetic storm
a geomagnetic storm
solar energetic particles
solar energetic particles
Astronomers would most likely predict that the cause of the electrical failure in satellites and disruption in radio communications at high latitudes was a geomagnetic storm.
To determine the most likely cause for the electrical failures in satellites and radio communications disruption at high latitudes, an astronomer would need to analyze the available data and consider potential factors that could contribute to these events.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are powerful eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. These eruptions can lead to geomagnetic storms when they interact with the Earth's magnetic field. During a geomagnetic storm, disturbances in the magnetosphere can cause disruptions to satellite technology and radio communications.
Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are accelerated particles, such as protons and electrons, that are released during solar flares or other solar events. These particles can impact spacecraft, potentially causing electrical failures and interfering with radio communications.
Considering the given scenario, where both satellites experienced electrical failures and radio communications at high latitudes were disrupted, the most likely cause predicted by an astronomer would be a geomagnetic storm. Geomagnetic storms are known to affect both satellite systems and radio communications, especially at high latitudes where the Earth's magnetic field is more susceptible to disturbances.
Therefore, the correct prediction for the cause in this scenario would be "a geomagnetic storm."