Question

During which type of solar weather would one predict power grid operations on Earth could degrade

Answer 1

Power grid operations on Earth could degrade during solar storms, particularly during events such as geomagnetic storms. These storms are caused by disturbances in the solar wind, often associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) or high-speed solar wind streams from coronal holes. When these solar phenomena reach Earth, they can interact with the planet's magnetic field, inducing geomagnetic currents that may overload electrical grids and disrupt their operation. This can lead to issues such as voltage instability, transformer damage, and even widespread power outages. Therefore, monitoring solar weather conditions is crucial for predicting and mitigating potential impacts on power grid infrastructure.