The South African National Space Agency (Sansa) has recorded several geomagnetic storms over the past 36 hours, raising concerns about potential disruptions to high-frequency radio communication, navigation systems, and power grids. These storms, caused by plasma from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, are a reminder of how solar activity can impact life on our planet.
What Are Geomagnetic Storms?
Geomagnetic storms occur when solar plasma—charged particles from the sun—collides with Earth’s magnetic field. According to Daleen Fouché, a communications practitioner at Sansa, the recent storms have been classified as G1 (minor) and G2 (moderate). While the effects may not be immediately noticeable, they can include interruptions to high-frequency radio communication, navigation issues, and strain on power grids.
“The sun has an 11-year cycle of active and quiet periods,” Fouché explained. “We are currently heading into Solar Maximum, which means increased solar activity.” Last year, two significant geomagnetic storms in May and October even made the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) visible from South Africa—a rare phenomenon that highlighted the power of these celestial events.
Impacts on Technology
While humans are protected from the direct effects of geomagnetic storms, our technological systems are not so fortunate. During last year’s storms, disruptions to drone and flight operations were reported due to navigation interruptions. Fouché emphasized that space weather forecasters at Sansa’s Hermanus campus monitor the sun 24/7 to predict and mitigate these risks.
“Space weather originates from the sun, and our technological systems are at risk,” she said. Solar flares—sudden flashes of light on the sun—and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive explosions of plasma, can hurl charged particles into space. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can disrupt communication systems, damage satellites, and even cause power grid failures.
A Rare Lunar Eclipse
While geomagnetic storms dominated the headlines, South Africans also had the chance to witness a partial view of a total lunar eclipse early on Friday morning. Unfortunately, cloudy weather conditions likely obscured the spectacle for many. The eclipse, which began on March 13-14, 2025, cast the moon in a deep, coppery-red hue during its totality phase.
This was the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022, and while South Africans only got a partial view, the event was a stunning reminder of the wonders of our solar system. The maximum phase of the eclipse occurred at 2:59 a.m. EDT (8:59 SA Time), with totality lasting approximately 65 minutes.
What’s Next for Solar Activity?
As we approach Solar Maximum, Sansa’s space weather forecasters are keeping a close eye on the sun. Their state-of-the-art Space Weather Centre in Hermanus is equipped to monitor solar flares and CMEs, providing early warnings to protect critical infrastructure.
“Our goal is to safeguard technological systems from the effects of space weather,” Fouché said. “By understanding and predicting solar activity, we can minimize disruptions to communication, navigation, and power grids.”
How Can South Africans Prepare?
While geomagnetic storms are a natural phenomenon, their impacts can be mitigated through preparedness. Here are a few steps South Africans can take:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from Sansa and other space weather agencies to stay aware of potential disruptions.
- Protect Electronics: Unplug sensitive devices during severe geomagnetic storms to prevent damage from power surges.
- Report Issues: If you experience disruptions to communication or navigation systems, report them to relevant authorities.
From geomagnetic storms to lunar eclipses, solar activity continues to shape life on Earth in profound ways. While these events can disrupt technology, they also offer a glimpse into the dynamic and interconnected nature of our solar system. As South Africa’s space agency, Sansa remains at the forefront of monitoring and mitigating the impacts of space weather, ensuring that we are prepared for whatever the sun sends our way.
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