Why Intense Solar Storms and Weak Magnetic Field Are Deadly Combo for Earth?

The sun releases powerful solar storms that result in beautiful auroras, but an intense blast can be deadly for Earth if its magnetic field is weak.

Intense Solar Storm and Weak Magnetic Field: A Deadly Combo

Earth's magnetic field offers life with a vital shield by blocking the Sun's electrically charged rays. It usually operates like a massive bar magnet, with field lines ascending from one pole, looping around, and falling back down at the other, resembling the shape of an "inverted grapefruit" in certain cases.

Because of the poles' vertical orientation, some ionizing cosmic radiation can reach the upper atmosphere, combining with gas molecules to produce the aurora we are familiar with.

However, over time, the field undergoes significant modification. The north magnetic pole has decreased by more than 6% over the last century as it has moved across northern Canada at about 40 kilometers per year.

According to geological records, there have been millennia or centuries during which the geomagnetic field was either completely absent or extremely weak.

If the Earth's magnetic field weakens and the Sun releases a powerful solar storm, it can be fatal. Although solar storms can release radiation, the Sun occasionally engages in far more damaging activity. These protons blasting straight from the Sun's surface are called "solar particle events" and can shoot out into space like a searchlight.

According to records, Earth is struck by an extreme solar particle outburst once every thousand years. This event has the potential to severely damage the ozone layer and raise surface UV radiation levels.

ALSO READ: Earth's Magnetic Field Protects People From Radiation; What Happens When It Flips?

What Happens When You're Exposed to Intense UV Radiation?

Although many variables influence Earth's habitability, our star, the Sun, is one of the most important ones. The Sun is the main source of energy for the biosphere on Earth and bathes our globe with radiation. Although it gives life energy, it may also tremendously harm biology.

Non-ionizing radiation, which includes visible light and radio waves but does not break chemical bonds, is naturally present in the Sun. The majority of the non-ionizing radiation that life on Earth is subjected to is safe. However, overheating can be a harmful side effect of prolonged exposure to non-ionizing radiation.

Once exposed to UV radiation, real damage far worse than sunburned skin begins. Ionizing radiation, which includes gamma radiation, X-rays, and other radiation, lies beyond UV radiation and can be extremely harmful.

If you have ever undergone an x-ray at the hospital, you might recall applying lead blankets to certain parts of your body to protect them from exposure. Ionizing radiation can disrupt chemical connections, seriously harming cells.

Elevated levels of ionizing radiation harm intracellular components, including proteins and DNA, and can result in mutations. These alterations can cause cells to experience various issues, including cancer.

RELATED ARTICLE: Earth's Magnetic Field Nearly Collapsed 600 Million Years Ago, Sparking Evolution of More Complex Life

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