Solar storm looming over Earth as POWERFUL solar flares set to explode today, says NOAA

Solar storm looming over Earth as powerful solar flares set to explode, say NOAA

The Sun is the source of life on Earth, but it can also pose a threat to our planet's safety and stability. Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that erupt from the Sun's surface and can cause geomagnetic storms when they interact with the Earth's magnetic field. These storms can disrupt power grids, communication systems, satellites and navigation devices.

In this article, we will explore what solar flares are, how they affect the Earth, and what the latest predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are.

What are solar flares and how do they occur?

Solar flares are explosions of energy that occur on the Sun's surface when magnetic fields twist and snap. They release huge amounts of electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays. Some of the radiation can reach the Earth in minutes, while some can take hours or days.

Solar flares are classified according to their peak X-ray flux, measured in watts per square meter. The classes are A, B, C, M and X, with X being the most powerful. Each class has a logarithmic scale, so an X2 flare is twice as powerful as an X1 flare.

Solar flares often occur in regions of intense magnetic activity called sunspots. Sunspots are dark areas on the Sun's surface that have lower temperatures than the surrounding areas. They appear and disappear in cycles of about 11 years, known as the solar cycle. The current solar cycle, Cycle 25, began in December 2019 and is expected to peak in 2023.

How do solar flares affect the Earth?

Solar flares can affect the Earth in various ways, depending on their intensity, duration and direction. Some of the effects are:

- Ionospheric disturbances: Solar flares can ionize the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere, creating electric currents that interfere with radio signals and GPS navigation.

- Solar radiation storms: Solar flares can accelerate charged particles such as protons and electrons to high speeds, creating a stream of radiation that can damage satellites, spacecraft and astronauts in orbit.

- Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): Solar flares can also launch massive clouds of plasma and magnetic fields into space, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These can travel at speeds of up to several million kilometers per hour and reach the Earth in one to three days. When they collide with the Earth's magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms that can induce currents in power lines, pipelines and railways, causing blackouts and damage.

- Auroras: One of the positive effects of solar flares and CMEs is that they can create spectacular displays of lights in the sky, known as auroras or northern and southern lights. These occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field and excite atoms in the atmosphere, causing them to emit different colors.

What are the latest predictions from NOAA?

According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), there is a 25% chance of an M-class solar flare occurring today (June 28th 2023). This is based on the continued growth of a large sunspot called AR3141, which has a complex magnetic field that harbors energy for moderately-strong explosions. Any flares from this sunspot will be geoeffective, meaning they will have a direct impact on the Earth.

NOAA also warns that there is a possibility of CMEs associated with these flares, which could trigger geomagnetic storms of G1 (minor) to G3 (strong) levels. These storms could cause voltage fluctuations in power grids, radio blackouts in high-frequency communications, degraded low-frequency navigation signals and increased drag on low-Earth orbit satellites.

NOAA advises people to monitor their website for updates on solar activity and alerts on potential impacts. They also provide tips on how to prepare for and cope with solar storms, such as having backup power sources, emergency kits and alternative communication methods.

Conclusion

Solar flares are powerful phenomena that can have both positive and negative effects on the Earth. They are influenced by the Sun's magnetic activity, which varies in cycles of about 11 years. The current cycle is expected to peak in 2023, which means we could see more frequent and intense solar flares in the coming years.

NOAA is one of the agencies that monitors and predicts solar activity and its impacts on the Earth. They provide information and alerts on their website and social media platforms. They also recommend people to be prepared for possible disruptions caused by solar storms.

Solar flares are fascinating events that reveal the dynamic nature of our star and its relationship with our planet. They also remind us of the importance of being aware and resilient in the face of natural hazards.

Source: 

(1) Solar storm looming over Earth as POWERFUL solar flares set to explode .... https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/solar-storm-looming-over-earth-as-powerful-solar-flares-set-to-explode-today-says-noaa-71687846343301.html.

(2) Solar flare Alert! Gigantic sunspot set to explode, says NOAA .... https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/solar-flare-alert-gigantic-sunspot-set-to-explode-says-noaa-blackouts-on-earth-feared-71667898248893.html.

(3) Geomagnetic storm WARNING: Solar flare may directly hit Earth today .... https://www.dnaindia.com/science/report-geomagnetic-storm-warning-solar-flare-may-directly-hit-earth-today-can-disrupt-power-grids-cme-2915084.

(4) NOAA says STRONG M-class solar flare set to hit Earth, may ... - HT Tech. https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/noaa-says-strong-m-class-solar-flare-set-to-hit-earth-may-generate-geomagnetic-storm-71681614691354.html.

FAQ's

What happens if Earth gets hit by a solar flare?

If a "Carrington-sized" solar flare were to hit Earth today, it would emit X-rays and ultraviolet light, which would reach Earth's atmosphere and interfere with electronics, as well as radio and satellite signals.

What does NASA say about solar flares?

Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

What happens when a solar flare explodes?

The magnetic field lines near sunspots often tangle, cross, and reorganize. This can cause a sudden explosion of energy called a solar flare. Solar flares release a lot of radiation into space. If a solar flare is very intense, the radiation it releases can interfere with our radio communications here on Earth.

What is solar storm 2023?

March 23, 2023 We observed our second severe geomagnetic storm (G4) in Solar Cycle 25, the largest such event in nearly six years. Electrical power disruptions were reported in several states and aurora was visible in more than half of the U.S., reaching as far south as New Mexico, Missouri and North Carolina.