Solar storm alert: Risks to satellites and power systems, warns SUPARCO

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Commission (SUPARCO) has issued an urgent warning regarding a significant solar storm currently surrounding Earth.

This solar storm, driven by three Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, poses serious risks to satellites, power grids, and space stations.

The first two CMEs, classified as M-class solar flares, were relatively minor and launched on August 7. However, the third, an X1.3-class flare, is far more powerful and could lead to major disruptions.

The Institute of Space Technology in Islamabad has released detailed images capturing the intense activity on the Sun's surface.

Experts expect the effects of the solar storm, including plasma and magnetic waves, to impact Earth over the next few days.

These geomagnetic storms can cause radio blackouts, disable satellites, and disrupt cellular and GPS networks, highlighting the critical need for preparedness in facing such space weather events.