NASA | Comparing CMEs

This video features two model runs. One looks at a moderate coronal mass ejection (CME) from 2006. The second run examines the consequences of a large coronal mass ejection, such as The Carrington-Class CME of 1859. These model runs allow us to estimate consequences of a large event hitting Earth, so we can better protect power grids and satellites.

In an effort to understand and predict the impact of space weather events on Earth, the Community-Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, routinely runs computer models of the many historical events. These model runs are then compared to actual data to determine ways to improve the model, and therefore forecasts of future space weather events.

Sometimes we need an actual event to have data for comparison. Extreme space weather events are one example where researchers must test models with a rather limited set of data.

The vertical lines on the left represent magnetic field lines from the sun.

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[clark_cant]

Fantastic animations and very well explained! Thank you.

[stjameso]

it's interesting at the end of the video when speaks of the carrington event he doesn't tell you what the actual affects would be to the earth..hmmmm?

[georgeeakin]

Unbelievably awesome! My congratulations on job well done.

[Oshbotscom]

Could the distortion of the magnetic fields contribute to earthquakes by interacting with the iron core of the Earth, or are these forces too weak to initiate such a reaction?

[esscee]

Why does it get bluer at 0:54? Just before the CME hits? Like the calm-before-the-storm kinda thing. What's happening to the earth's magnetic field in those moments for it to expand like that?

[shanakyl]

very cool! what would the effects of such a drastic CME event look like?

[dcandmarvel]

Ok nasa team why you don't do drone and control by signel's in space

[robertmyers]

Does Mars have a strong enough magnetic field to protect it from CMEs?

[liberalassassin]

If the earth gets hit by a CME as strong as the CME of 1859, I pray that our leaders have made arrangements to protect our power grids. Otherwise, We will experience a world wide catastrophe the likes of haven't been experienced by mankind in thousands of years.. . 

[manojsaxena]

I think earth absorb required solar energy mean storms from back side so it is south or north or East West subject of confirmation since earth need heat for its leo meo geo servival that is at mos phere. Hence that is earth living theory. And earth protected by clouds subject to conditions. It is past experience and present also.

[pratwurschtgulasch]

since when do magnetic field lines spiral up and end in themselves? i was thought they were always loops. i'm thinking this guy doesn't understand how to set up this simulation.

[jemoeder]

how did Earth even survived that cme from 1859?

[Oshbotscom]

Could the distortion of the magnetic fields contribute to earthquakes by interacting with the iron core of the Earth, or are these forces too weak to initiate such a reaction?