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Sun's Fury: Four Solar Flares Slam Earth!
3 Feb
Summary
- Four powerful X-class solar flares have been released towards Earth.
- These flares can cause radio blackouts and disturb satellite communications.
- There is a 30% chance of more X-class flares occurring this week.
The sun has recently unleashed four potent X-class solar flares, with the largest being an X8.1 event, the 19th strongest ever recorded. These solar events, occurring on February 1st and 2nd, have caused radio blackouts on the sun-lit side of Earth, disturbing satellite navigation and communication systems. Scientists indicate a significant 30% probability of further X-class flares emerging from the active region RGN 4366 in the upcoming week.
While direct impacts on satellites or ground networks were minimal, the ionisation of Earth's upper atmosphere by flare radiation disrupts radio signals. Experts caution that ongoing solar activity could pose future risks. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), distinct from flares, can cause auroras and affect satellites by increasing atmospheric drag, though the recent Earth-directed CME is expected to have a minor impact.
The sunspot region RGN 4366, responsible for these flares, is highly active and facing Earth. This increases the likelihood of further solar disturbances. The European Space Agency (ESA) forecasts this as the highest X-class flare prediction during the current solar cycle, underscoring the potential for continued disruptions to radio and GPS services, as well as enhanced aurora activity.
