What is it about?
In November 1882, an intense magnetic storm related to a large sunspot group caused widespread interference to telegraph and telephone systems and provided spectacular and unusual auroral displays. The (ring current) storm time disturbance index for this storm reached maximum −Dst ≈ 386 nT, comparable to Halloween storm of 29–31 October 2003, but from 17 to 20 November the aa midlatitude geomagnetic disturbance index averaged 214.25 nT, the highest 4 day level of disturbance since the beginning of aa index in 1868. This storm contributed to scientists' understanding of the reality of solar-terrestrial interaction. Past occurrences of magnetic storms, like that of November 1882, can inform modern evaluations of the deleterious effects that a magnetic superstorm might have on technological systems of importance to society.
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Why is it important?
Historical summary of an intense magnetic storm and its effects on technology of the era.
Perspectives
This work is part of my project for documenting historical geophysical events of importance.
Dr Jeffrey Love
Geomagnetism Program, U.S. Geological Survey
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This page is a summary of: The Electric Storm of November 1882, Space Weather, January 2018, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/2017sw001795.
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