A magnetic storm, the longest of the year, impacted Earth for 27 hours, beginning at 3:00 AM on May 29 and lasting until 6:00 AM on May 30. This event ranks as the third-longest storm in the current 25th solar cycle, according to the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAN and ISZF SB RAS.

A more extended storm occurred in May 2024, lasting 39 hours and reaching the highest G5 level. That particular storm triggered the most intense auroras observed in the current solar cycle, representing the most significant event in two decades. The second-longest storm in this cycle occurred from February 26-28, 2023, spanning 33 hours.

Currently, the magnetic field remains in an excited state, indicated by a yellow alert level. Mathematical models suggest the possibility of the storm resuming in the near future.

The Earth is currently under considerable pressure from a cluster of coronal holes visible on the Sun’s side facing our planet. The intricate arrangement of these holes complicates predictions regarding the ultimate configuration of the disturbed region as it affects Earth.

Over the past day, exceedingly high solar wind speeds have been measured, occasionally peaking at 850 km/s. Astronomers have noted that this wind exhibits high temperatures and a significantly elevated magnetic field strength. This combination of factors poses a threat to planets in its path, currently affecting Earth and, to some extent, Venus, which lacks its own protective magnetic field.