Q3 : Solar Prominence

Q: May epekto po ba sa 'tin ang mga umaatikabong prominences ng sun?
(Do the active prominences of the sun have any effect on us?)

A: Technically no, but these always have related phenomena that can affect us. Think of it this way, a prominence (a loop of hot gas made by the sun on its surface) is usually accompanied by SOLAR FLARES, or the sudden release of a lot of energy into space, and CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS, which are the release of matter. This matter is in the form of plasma, or gas made up of protons and electrons which give the gas electric and magnetic properties; the energy is in the form of radiation.

These protons, electrons, and radiation reach the Earth, but get deflected by our magnetic field. This deflection leads to a further energized upper atmosphere, which leads to the formation of more protons and electrons here.

Many of the satellites are sensitive to an energized upper atmosphere, so their signals get disrupted. Examples of services affected are radio communication lines, Global Positioning Systems, and spacecraft electronics. The radiation from the solar flare also poses a threat to astronauts working above the Earth. Now if these phenomena are really strong, the energized upper atmosphere can induce currents in power grids on Earth, so our electricity is also affected!

But there's a good effect! The energized upper atmosphere displays beutiful aurorae near the poles!


Prepared by: Benjamin Francis Rodriguez