A high intensity solar storm ignited alerts in Colombia after the Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute (IGAC) warned of possible alterations in the Earth’s magnetic field, with temporary impacts on key technological systems such as telecommunications, the internet and satellite navigation.
According to the entity, permanent monitoring of the phenomenon has been carried out since January 19, during which significant variations in the magnetic field have been detected, a product of the interaction between strong solar activity and the magnetosphere, the natural barrier that protects the planet from the Sun’s radiation.
The IGAC explained that this solar storm could generate intermittencies in mobile networks, momentary failures in the internet service, effects on GNSS systems (used for geolocation and navigation) and errors in capturing coordinates in real time, especially in technical and scientific activities.
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From the United States, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Meteorological Service classified the event as a level four out of five solar radiation storm, a category that had not been recorded since 2003. According to the organization, it would be the most intense in the last 20 years.
Geomagnetic storms originate when the Sun releases large amounts of charged particles and electromagnetic radiation through coronal mass ejections and solar flares. These particles travel millions of kilometers until they impact the Earth’s magnetic field, generating induced currents that can affect technological and energy infrastructure.
Although authorities rule out direct risks to human health, there is concern about possible interference with satellites, failures in high-voltage electrical transformers and, in extreme scenarios, localized blackouts.
In addition, these types of events can cause northern lights at unusual latitudes, as recently occurred in regions of southern Europe.
The IGAC will continue with the technical monitoring of the phenomenon and reiterated the call to entities that depend on satellite systems to remain alert to possible temporary failures, while the scientific community evaluates the evolution of this intense solar activity.
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