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Solar 'Cannibal' Storm Triggers Alerts as NASA Delays Mars Launch

Officials warn a follow-on CME could reach G5, prompting precautions.

Overview

  • NASA postponed the ESCAPADE Mars mission from Florida because the powerful solar storm could harm spacecraft systems.
  • The British Geological Survey raised its space-weather alert to the highest level and recorded the strongest ground-level electric fields since monitoring began in 2012, with bright auroras across the UK.
  • The initial storm disrupted radio communications and reduced GPS accuracy, degrading navigation and timing services.
  • Scientists describe a rare “cannibal” event in which a faster coronal mass ejection overtook an earlier one and the two arrived at Earth as a merged front.
  • The Met Office says the Sun is in an active phase producing CMEs, while experts monitor a potentially stronger follow-on that could reach NOAA G5 and threaten satellites and communications, as some media revive unverified Baba Vanga prophecy claims.