Solar Storm Alert! Sun Shoots Double X-Class Solar Flares; Strong G3-Class Geomagnetic Storms Possible, NOAA warns

Updated May 9, 2024, 07:00 IST

Sun has again spewed a double X-class solar flare, which will impact Earth soon. NOAA forecasters say that a strong geomagnetic storm is expected, here is when.

The Sun Unleashes a Series of Powerful X-Class Flares, Geomagnetic Storms Expected, Radio Disruptions Feared

The sunspot AR3663 has been the matter of discussion of Solar Cycle 25 so far. Since May 3rd, this active region has produced a remarkable six X-class flares, surpassing any other sunspot in the past seven years. The sunspot continued its anger on May 8th, shooting two more X1-class flares, spaceweather.com reported. As AR3663 approaches the Sun’s western limb later this week, it may continue to spew powerful eruptions.

In addition to the solar flares, SpaceWeather.com reports that a coronal mass ejection (CME) is heading towards Earth. This CME was triggered by a series of explosive events in the magnetic canopy of the giant sunspot AR3664. According to a NOAA forecast model, this CME is expected to reach Earth late on May 10th, potentially sparking G1- to G2-class geomagnetic storms on May 11th. Moreover, there is a possibility of a second CME following closely behind the first one.

NOAA Forecasts: Strong Geomagnetic Storms AheadNOAA forecasters say that G2-class geomagnetic storms are possible on May 11th when the halo CME is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field. Storm conditions could escalate to category G3 (Strong) if, as suspected, a second CME is following close behind.

Dr. Tamitha Skov, a space weather expert further confirmed, “Region 3664 (in the Earth-strike zone) launching an Earth-directed solar storm now. Ongoing X1-flare with R3-level Radio Blackout on Earth’s dayside. Expect HF/VHF radio & GPS signal degradation over the next hour, esp. Australia, Asia, Europe, East Africa.”

This means the incoming solar storms and X-class flares could potentially cause disruptions to radio communications, GPS signals, and other communication systems, particularly in the regions highlighted by Dr. Skov. Users relying on HF, VHF radio, and GPS services in Australia, Asia, Europe, and East Africa may experience degraded performance or outages during the period of the solar storm’s impact.

— What is Solar Cycle 25?

Solar Cycle 25 refers to the current cycle of solar activity, characterized by the sun’s magnetic activity and the number of sunspots observed over approximately an 11-year period.

— What is a Solar Flare?

A solar flare is a sudden, intense burst of radiation emitted by the sun, often accompanied by a release of magnetic energy and visible light.

— What is a Solar Storm?

A solar storm is a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by a large release of energy from the sun, typically resulting from solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

— What is Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)?

A coronal mass ejection is a significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona into space, potentially impacting the Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms.

— What is Radio Blackout?

A radio blackout refers to a disruption or loss of radio communication signals, particularly in the high-frequency (HF) and very high-frequency (VHF) ranges, caused by intense solar activity such as solar flares or geomagnetic storms.

Sun has again spewed a double X-class solar flare, which will impact Earth soon. NOAA forecasters say that a strong geomagnetic storm is expected, here is when.

Related Posts