A geomagnetic storm hits Earth: What will be its impact on Saudi Arabia?
The Jeddah Astronomical Society has revealed the possibility of Earth being exposed to an exceptional astronomical phenomenon in the form of a geomagnetic storm in the coming hours. The Society's president, Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, explained that recent models issued by the Space Weather Prediction Service (NOAA) indicate the possibility of a merger between two coronal mass ejections from the Sun, a phenomenon scientifically known as a "coronal merger," which would result in the formation of a denser and more energetic plasma cloud as it travels toward Earth.
How does a combined geomagnetic storm form?
Astronomical studies show that this phenomenon occurs when a fast solar flare catches up with a slower one that erupted earlier, causing them to merge in interplanetary space and form a single mass with twice the speed and density. This merger greatly enhances the ability of the plasma cloud to influence Earth's magnetic field upon arrival.
Current forecasts indicate that this plasma cloud could arrive during the late hours of June 4 or the early hours of June 5, 2026, potentially causing strong “G3” class magnetic disturbances, which could temporarily rise to “G4” class if the accompanying magnetic conditions develop as expected.
Historical background of space weather phenomena and their global impact
Historically, Earth has experienced numerous impactful solar storms, perhaps the most notable in modern times being the major geomagnetic storm that struck the world in May 2024. This storm caused auroras to appear in unusual locations and temporarily disrupted some power and communication networks. These storms are classified on a scale ranging from G1 (weak) to G5 (very strong).
The importance of monitoring these events lies in protecting global technological infrastructure, as such storms are capable of generating strong auroral activity that extends to mid-latitudes, providing an opportunity to observe the polar lights in parts of Europe and North America, especially in areas far from light pollution and under clear skies.
The expected effects of the storm on the Kingdom and Arab countries
Engineer Majid Abu Zahra reassured the service sectors and the public that the effects of this storm on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world will be very limited, as no activity of the Northern Lights is expected to appear in the region due to its geographical location close to the tropical latitudes.
However, some temporary technical effects may occur, such as a slight decrease in the accuracy of GPS systems, minor disruptions to high-frequency radio communications used in aviation and maritime navigation, and potentially minor effects on some satellites due to increased particulate activity in the upper atmosphere. He emphasized that these effects will be short-lived, under continuous monitoring, and will not pose an immediate threat to daily life.
Space-based observation models and solar wind tracking
The accuracy of current forecasts relies on sophisticated space weather models that depict the propagation and radial velocity of solar plasma in kilometers per second. Models from the Space Weather Prediction Center illustrate the distribution of charged particle density and high-velocity particles flowing through space from two perspectives: a topographic view of the inner solar system and a side view to accurately assess the path of the plasma mass.
These models are among the most important scientific tools used globally in monitoring solar activity and tracking space phenomena that may affect the environment surrounding the Earth. Estimates remain subject to continuous updating based on direct data received from satellites and solar observatories.
