Scientists have reported the first prolonged magnetic storm of spring

The first protracted magnetic storm of spring 2026 has begun on Earth. This was announced on March 14 at the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Institute of Space Research (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

"The first prolonged magnetic storm of spring is taking place on Earth. Starting approximately from midnight Moscow time, a planetary magnetic storm is registered... This is the second magnetic storm in March, but the first significant one," the laboratory said in a Telegram message.

Scientists explained that the reason was a sharp increase in the speed of the solar wind in the vicinity of the Earth, caused by a coronal hole in the Sun. The plasma flow has accelerated to 700 km/s, which is twice as high as usual (300-400 km/s), and so far shows no signs of decline.

"The storm is extremely stable — for all nine hours that it lasts, the index is at the same level — G1.7, corresponding to the average event," the experts said.

According to forecasts, geomagnetic disturbances can last up to two or three days. Scientists do not rule out a temporary stabilization of the situation in the coming hours. Magnetic storms of the G1 level, to which the current event belongs, can affect energy systems and the propagation of radio waves, especially at high latitudes.

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Have the vagaries of space weather become record-breaking and what consequences can we expect from them?

On March 6, the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the IKI RAS and the ISSF SB RAS reported that weak magnetic storms are possible on Earth during the day due to the impact of a coronal hole on the Sun. New spots were also recorded on the surface of the Sun, which had little effect on the observation charts. However, astronomers do not expect a serious surge in activity yet.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.