magnetic storm

noun

: a marked temporary disturbance of the earth's magnetic field held to be related to sunspots

Examples of magnetic storm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key Background The swaying light shows formed by aurora borealis are caused by magnetic storms triggered by activity on the sun’s surface. Ty Roush, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 As the theory goes, more sunspots are correlated with more solar activity and stronger magnetic storms, which could in turn affect the temperatures here on earth. Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024 The aurora was visible in Seattle on Sunday following an Aug. 1 CME that resulted in a G3 magnetic storm. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 8 Aug. 2024 While Mäntsälä sits at a high latitude, the researchers point to the recent magnetic storms that hit Earth in May of this year as an example of how far reaching the effects of such activity can be. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 10 July 2024 The antennas have enabled scientists to detect radio signals emitted during magnetic storms on the Sun, document the metronomic bursts from dead stellar cinders called pulsars, and discover the fine detail of lightning strikes on Saturn. Byeric Lusito, science.org, 14 June 2024 Its magnetic field plays a role in events like solar flares, explosions that shoot energy, light and high-speed particles into space, as well as coronal mass ejections, solar magnetic storms that expel gas and magnetic fields. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 May 2024 The intensity of these magnetic storms could impact us energetically and heighten our emotional sensitivity Keep your eyes on the sky this weekend! Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024 Its sensors tracking magnetic storms emanating from the sun would keep doing their jobs. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Mar. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic storm was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near magnetic storm

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20storm. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetic storm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!