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.
Northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, occur when solar activity, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections, causes magnetic storms. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 May 2025 The intensity of these magnetic storms could impact us energetically, potentially heightening our emotional sensitivity, but there is no guarantee. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024 Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when solar activity — such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections — causes magnetic storms. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025 And so the regions of the country with more of these conducting-type rocks will be more resilient to a magnetic storm. IEEE Spectrum, 24 Apr. 2020 While green aurora typically hang out around the Arctic and Antarctic circles, big magnetic storms can push it further south. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are caused by magnetic storms triggered by solar activity, like solar flares (explosions on the sun) or coronal mass ejections (ejected gas bubbles). Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 They are caused by magnetic storms that have been triggered by solar activity, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2024 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

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic storm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20storm. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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!