The Sun has just unleashed the strongest solar flare of the Solar Cycle 25, causing radio communication disruptions in several regions on Earth.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) of NASA recorded a solar flare (solar storm) that occurred on October 1st – the strongest of Solar Cycle 25 and the most powerful since 2017.
The solar flare reached an X9.0 level. On the scale of solar flares, X is the strongest category, followed by M, with C, B, and A being progressively weaker. Each category is subdivided into levels from 1 to 9, with increasing intensity.
Moment of the solar flare erupting. (Photo: NASA/SDO/AIA).
This solar storm is believed to have been released from sunspot AR3842. It caused radio signal loss and disrupted communication on the daylight side of Earth at the time, according to IFL Science on October 5th. This sunspot is currently facing Earth and is releasing coronal mass ejections directed towards our planet.
This solar storm affects communication systems, satellites, and electrical infrastructure, but experts believe that “it can still be managed since we know the storm is approaching and what to do.” On a positive note, strong solar storms can lead to fascinating auroras.
Solar storms, also known as solar flares, are massive energy releases associated with sunspots. Sunspots appear darker because they are cooler than the surrounding areas, yet they possess significantly stronger magnetic fields. The magnetic field in these regions can be over 2,500 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field, which is considerably stronger than the rest of the Sun.
Solar storms are also linked to coronal mass ejections, where charged plasma from the Sun is expelled at high speeds into interplanetary space. This plasma can affect satellites and electrical infrastructure on Earth, as well as create brilliant auroras at high latitudes.
Most geomagnetic storms are not dangerous, although strong storms can disrupt radio transmissions or damage power lines along with other infrastructure. In 2022, a highly active region on the Sun emitted numerous large flares and coronal mass ejections, indicating that the Sun is “waking up” after a quiet period in its 11-year activity cycle.
