Jakarta. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has assured the public that there is no need for concern over the magnetic storm currently affecting Earth this past week.

Magnetic storms can generally disrupt television networks, communications, navigation systems, and satellite operations such as the global positioning system (GPS).

“People don’t need to worry because this Earth magnetic storm phenomenon does not impact Indonesia,” said Setyoajie Prayoedhie, Acting Head of BMKG’s Center for Technical Seismology and Geophysics in Jakarta on Friday.

According to Prayoedhie, this is because Indonesia is located along the equator, protected by a strong magnetosphere belt.

Additionally, the disturbances detected in Indonesia due to the magnetic storm have been minor. This is supported by BMKG’s observations from four geomagnetic observatories across Indonesia from July 5-11.

Prayoedhie explained that during this period, the highest magnetic activity occurred on July 8, with a small magnetic storm recorded at the Tondano Observatory.

Magnetic storms, also known as geomagnetic storms or solar storms, are temporary disturbances caused by solar wind shocks or clouds of magnetic fields interacting with Earth's magnetic field.

Magnetic storm status was recorded at the Tondano, Manado, and Tuntungan Medan observatories, with a maximum K-index of 6 and a maximum A-index of 33.

Meanwhile, at the Serang Banten and Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara observatories, the maximum K-index was 5 and the maximum A-index was 23.

In conclusion, BMKG’s analysis indicates that this magnetic storm phenomenon will have a greater impact on countries located in the northern and southern hemispheres.

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