Monster solar flare disrupts communication in US, strong solar storm may hit Earth on December 17
NEW DELHI: Radio frequency blackouts were reported across the US shortly after the Sun ejected one of the largest solar flares ever recorded. But a brief communication blackout may only be the start as a high-intensity plasma stream is now likely heading towards Earth, which is likely to cause a strong solar storm and cause more havoc.
The Sun's activity is measured in 11-year cycles and flares are classified by their range and strength, from the weakest, B class, to C, M and the strongest, X.
The outburst, which occurred at 1702 GMT (around 10.30pm IST on Thursday), registered as an X2.8, NOAA Space Weather tweeted, adding: "This is likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded. Radio communication interference with aircraft were reported by multiple NWS Center Weather Service Units."
Powerful flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which send huge clouds of solar plasma rocketing into space at millions of miles per hour. Although rare, CMEs have the potential to cause months-long blackout on Earth, billions of dollars in damage and harm satellites.
It appears that a CME was indeed associated with this flare, likely "with an Earth-directed component," SpaceWeather wrote.
Strong solar storm
Experts warn that minor G1-class geomagnetic storms could occur on December 15-16 due to an incoming solar wind stream containing a stealthy CME. The situation may intensify to moderate G2 or even strong G3 storm levels by December 17 when the CME associated with the recent flare is expected to reach Earth.
A G3 solar storm can potentially damage small satellites, impact mobile networks, GPS, and even pose a threat to ground-based electronics and power grids by increasing the magnetic potential by huge amounts. The aurora effect can also be seen much further south than normal.
NOAA scientists determined Thursday's X-class flare as not only the largest of the current Solar Cycle 25, but also the biggest since September 2017.
Experts say the monster flare is only the beginning, as the Sun's activity is likely to reach its peak by mid-2024.
