Astronomy Journal Entry
Geomagnetic Storms to Peak in 2000 (January 3, 2000)
Sunspot activity is expected to reach its eleven-year peak early in 2000. NASA.
According to a recent United States Geological Survey report, the eleven-year cycle of geomagnetic storms will reach a peak early in 2000.
The storms are responsible for the spectacular light displays in the ionosphere called the Northern Lights, but may also trigger power blackouts and disrupt Earth and satellite communications.
Geomagnetic storms are caused by the interaction of charged particles emitted by the Sun with Earth's geomagnetic field. These solar ejections, which travel at more than a million miles an hour, are associated with sunspots.
The amount of sunspot activity increases or decreases over an eleven-year cycle. The last peak occurred in March 1989, when a fierce geomagnetic storm caused the collapse of the Hydro-Quebec power system in Canada and left six-million people without power.
