May 10-12 1999 The Day the Solar Wind Disappeared

In summary, on May 10-12, 1999, it was reported on a website that 98% of the solar wind had disappeared, but pictures from the SOHO satellite showed no abnormalities. The polar auroras were noted to be unusual and a phenomenon of polar rain of electrons was observed. It is unclear if this report is valid or from a questionable source. However, similar events have occurred at least two other times. Further details on the effects and dates of these occurrences are unknown.
  • #1
Philosophaie
462
0
On May 10-12 1999 it has been stated in a website that the Solar Wind Disappeared.

It stated that 98% of the total solar wind stopped but the piciures of the the SOHO satellite looked normal.

Is this true or a crackpot site?

The polar borialis was said to be strange and a phenonema of polar rain of electrons occured. If this is true what else was effected because the solar wind constantly bombards the atmosophere on the sun's side, good or bad.

Could anyone corroborate this story.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
It was a real event. Whether or not the site is a crackpot site or not is undetermined.

It's happened at least two other times.
 
  • #3
Can you elaborate on some of the effects and the dates of some of the other recorded happenings.
 
Last edited:

What is meant by "May 10-12 1999 The Day the Solar Wind Disappeared"?

During this time period, the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the sun, was significantly weakened or absent. This event was observed by several spacecraft and is known as the "Bastille Day event" due to its occurrence on July 14th, a French holiday.

What caused the disappearance of the solar wind?

The cause of this event is still a topic of research and debate among scientists. Some theories suggest that a coronal mass ejection, a large release of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun, may have disrupted the solar wind. Others propose that the event was the result of a complex interaction between the sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetosphere.

What were the effects of the solar wind disappearance?

The absence of the solar wind during this event had several consequences. It caused disruptions in radio communications, satellite operations, and power grids, and also created beautiful auroras and disturbances in Earth's magnetic field. Additionally, this event provided valuable data for scientists to better understand the dynamics of the solar wind and its interactions with Earth.

Has the solar wind ever disappeared before or since this event?

While this event was particularly significant and well-documented, the solar wind can vary in intensity and speed on a regular basis. It is not uncommon for the solar wind to weaken or even disappear temporarily, but the extent and duration of this event make it a rare occurrence.

What can we learn from the "Bastille Day event" of May 10-12 1999?

This event provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study the effects of a weakened or nonexistent solar wind on Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. By analyzing the data collected during this event, researchers can gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the sun and its influence on our planet. This knowledge can also help us prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of future solar wind disruptions on our technological systems.

Similar threads

Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 248)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 257)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 231)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 231)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top