As Solar Cycle 25
is about to reach an unexpected peak, we observe an increase in electrical phenomena such as
air-spirals, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
A massive solar storm that nearly reached "X-class" status hit Earth on the first day of the month, causing some minor radio and internet disruptions worldwide. This was followed by one of the largest solar flares since 2017 on December 15, which temporarily knocked out radio communications on Earth, affecting
even the higher frequencies.
"These impacts were felt from one end of the Nation to the other," said the NOAA.
The strong and persistent magnetic storms have also
affected the ozone hole in the southern hemisphere, which remains unusually large for this time of year when it normally shrinks. It has remained at a size of about 15 km
2 to become the third largest after November 30.
At the same time, record cold weather in the stratosphere produced polar clouds earlier and farther south than usual, with people from all over the Northern Hemisphere reporting or recording sightings. These are extraordinary excursions from the normal polar cloud
habitat.