Russian academy warns of strong magnetic storm within 48 hours

MOSCOW — Russia's Institute of Solar and Terrestrial Physics, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has warned that a strong magnetic storm could hit Earth within the next 48 hours. The institute's report, published Friday, said Earth's geomagnetic conditions currently appear calm but that plasma emissions from active sunspots could reach the planet. According to the report, powerful solar flares have been recorded in active solar regions numbered 4478 and 4479, sending plasma masses toward the atmosphere. Experts said the emissions could trigger a magnetic storm rated between G2 and G3 on the five-tier geomagnetic scale. The institute noted that a storm of that intensity could affect power grids, communications systems and aviation navigation. Solar flares are classified into five categories — A, B, C, M and X — while geomagnetic storms affecting Earth are measured from G1 to G5. The report also said potential strong magnetic disturbances could affect certain living organisms, navigation systems and the migration patterns of birds. No further details on timing or specific affected regions were immediately provided.