Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms

Closeup of the surface of the sun showing disturbances caused by solar wind. Caption: It's brought to earth by solar wind from the sun.

Space weather can have important consequences for everyday life, such as interference with radio communication, GPS systems, electric power grids, the operation and orientation of satellites, oil and gas drilling, and even air travel as high altitude pilots and astronauts can be subjected to enhanced levels of radiation. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geomagnetism Program monitors variations in the Earth's magnetic field through a network of 14 ground-based observatories around the United States and its territories, providing data in real-time to a variety of customers.

(Source: DCMP)

Metadata

Keywords:
astronomy

Files 1

  • Hazards: Geomagnetic Storms

    Type:
    Video
    Format:
    Streaming
    Accommodations:
    English Audio Descriptions - Visual, English Captions - Auditory
    Languages:
    English
    License:
    OER
    Author:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Length:
    8 minutes