The Suns magnetic field is expected to flip upside down within weeks as its north and south poles swap sides. The phenomenon, which will send ripple effects throughout the solar system, happens once every 11 years as the solar cycle reaches its peak. It will be observed throughout the heliosphere - the vast region of space affected by the Suns magnetic field, which extends billions of miles beyond Pluto. The swap could cause intergalactic weather events such as geomagnetic storms, which can cause radio blackouts and interfere with satellites. The heightened solar activity it coincides with is also expected to give stargazers a better glimpse of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:37:30 +0000
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