Sunday, November 17News That Matters

Tag: Solar Flare

Powerful Solar Flare Hits Earth Triggering Geomagnetic Storms and Auroras

Powerful Solar Flare Hits Earth Triggering Geomagnetic Storms and Auroras

Breaking News, Space
The Sun kicked off October with a massive solar flare, marking the start of the spooky season with an X7.1 flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) on October 1. This flare is the second most powerful of the current solar cycle and ranks among the top 30 strongest solar flares in the last three decades. While Earth is not in immediate danger, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has forecast geomagnetic storms between October 3 and 5. These storms, ranging from minor to strong, will result from the solar particles rocketing toward Earth as the CME pushes through the Solar System. Solar flares and CMEs are typical occurrences during the Sun’s peak activity cycle, which scientists believe is currently underway. Solar flares are sudde...
Sunspot Region AR 3697 Returns with a Bang, Unleashing Powerful X-Class Flares

Sunspot Region AR 3697 Returns with a Bang, Unleashing Powerful X-Class Flares

Breaking News, Environment, Space
The sunspot region responsible for the glorious auroras that shimmered over most of Earth in early May is back, and it's still engaging in shenanigans. Known previously as AR 3664, this region was behind several X-class flares, including the most powerful of the current solar cycle. After rotating away from view onto the far side of the Sun in the middle of May, it re-emerged in style with a brand new name – AR 3697. On May 27, AR 3697 erupted with another powerful X-class flare, this time an X 2.8. Since then, it has continued its activity, producing four more X-class flares, bringing the total to five as of the latest reports. The sequence of events began on May 29 with an X1.45 flare, followed by an X1.1 flare on May 31. On June 1, AR 3697 unleashed two more flares, an X1.03 and a...
Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Breaking News, Environment, Space
The Sun has emitted its strongest flare of the current solar cycle, a category X8.7 storm, sending a powerful surge of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. The flare, originating from sunspot AR3664, is anticipated to cause radio blackouts upon impact, particularly affecting regions such as the United States. In a dramatic display of solar activity, the Sun has unleashed its most potent flare of the current solar cycle, sending shockwaves of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. Originating from an active sunspot designated AR3664, the flare, classified as a category X8.7 storm, represents a significant escalation in solar activity. According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sunspot responsible for the flare is situated at t...
Earth Braces for Impact as Sun Unleashes Consecutive Flare To Threatening Technological Infrastructure

Earth Braces for Impact as Sun Unleashes Consecutive Flare To Threatening Technological Infrastructure

Breaking News, Disasters, Space
In a dramatic display of solar activity, the Sun has unleashed a series of powerful flares, posing potential risks to Earth's technological infrastructure and space exploration efforts. The recent surge in solar eruptions, occurring on consecutive days, has heightened concerns among scientists and space agencies worldwide. The first flare, categorized as an X-class flare, the most intense classification, occurred on May 2, originating from sunspot region AR3663. This eruption, lasting approximately 25 minutes, resulted in shortwave radio blackouts across regions including Australia, Japan, and parts of China. Solar physicist Keith Strong described it as an "impulsive flare," indicative of its sudden and intense nature. Barely a day later, on May 3, another significant eruption was ob...
Solar Flare Triggers Radio Blackouts Across Pacific Region

Solar Flare Triggers Radio Blackouts Across Pacific Region

Breaking News, Disasters, Space
A recent powerful solar flare originating from sunspot region AR3654 caused widespread radio blackouts across the Pacific region. The eruption, which lasted for 12 minutes on April 30, released near X-class solar flares, the most potent type. Solar flares are associated with sunspots, where magnetic fields are strongest. According to NASA, solar flares occur when powerful magnetic fields in and around the Sun reconnect, releasing magnetic energy that builds up in the solar atmosphere. These flares are classified based on their strength, with X-class flares being the most powerful, followed by M-class, C-class, and B-class flares. The April 30 flare, measuring M9.53, was just below an X-class solar flare, ionizing the upper atmosphere upon hitting Earth. Mariners and ham radio operato...