Geomagnetic superstorm shrunk Earth's protective plasmasphere

In 2024, superstorm Gannon generated auroras-and wreaked havoc on this radiation-blocking layer. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Last year, the most violent geomagnetic storm to strike Earth in over two decades did more than disrupt GPS systems and internet connections. According to a study published today in the journal, superstorm Gannon also squeezed the planet's protective layer of ionized particles to one-fifth its normal size. Geomagnetic storms aren't rare occurrences, but most of them remain relatively benign.