Sun Erupts with Strongest Flare in Two Months
World
Astronomers have recorded a powerful X1.4-class solar flare — the first in two months. Part of the plasma cloud is directed toward Earth, which could have effects on technology and the environment.
According to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI RAS, on March 30 at 6:19 Moscow time, a strong X1.4-level solar flare occurred. The event took place in the same active region where a plasma ejection occurred on March 28, and the new cloud is already visible in space images.
Although most of the material is moving away from Earth, peripheral parts of the gas cloud pass at about a 40-degree angle to the planet, which cannot be considered completely safe. Scientists warn that these outer parts of the plasma may affect Earth.
Solar flares are classified into five categories — A, B, C, M, and X — depending on their X-ray intensity. They can trigger geomagnetic storms that disrupt power grids, communications, and navigation systems, and may affect animal migration. Strong storms also increase the visibility of auroras. There is currently no definitive evidence of geomagnetic storms affecting human health.
The last flare of this magnitude was recorded on February 4.
Although most of the material is moving away from Earth, peripheral parts of the gas cloud pass at about a 40-degree angle to the planet, which cannot be considered completely safe. Scientists warn that these outer parts of the plasma may affect Earth.
Solar flares are classified into five categories — A, B, C, M, and X — depending on their X-ray intensity. They can trigger geomagnetic storms that disrupt power grids, communications, and navigation systems, and may affect animal migration. Strong storms also increase the visibility of auroras. There is currently no definitive evidence of geomagnetic storms affecting human health.
The last flare of this magnitude was recorded on February 4.
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