A powerful X1.9 solar flare from sunspot AR4299 caused radio blackouts in Australia and Southeast Asia, with further solar activity expected from the larger, more complex sunspot AR4294, potentially leading to additional flares and minor geomagnetic storms in the coming days.
The sun emitted two powerful X-class solar flares on Nov. 4, causing radio blackouts across the Americas and Pacific, with potential for geomagnetic storms and vibrant auroras later this week, as solar activity remains high and future eruptions are possible.
A powerful X1.9 class solar flare from sunspot region 4114 caused shortwave radio blackouts across the Pacific, especially affecting Hawaii, but did not produce a coronal mass ejection. The flare indicates high solar activity, with potential for future geomagnetic storms and auroras if CMEs are launched.
A powerful X1.2-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region 4114, causing radio blackouts over the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, without accompanying a coronal mass ejection. The flare's electromagnetic energy disrupted radio signals and indicates potential for further solar activity that could impact Earth, such as geomagnetic storms and auroras.
A powerful M8.46-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region 4114 on June 15, causing radio blackouts across North America and a coronal mass ejection that may impact Earth on June 18, potentially triggering northern lights and minor geomagnetic storms.
A surprise X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region 3912 on December 8, causing shortwave radio blackouts over southern Africa. The flare, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), is expected to have only mild impacts on Earth. X-class flares are the most powerful solar flares, capable of disrupting satellites and causing radio blackouts due to the intense release of electromagnetic radiation.
A powerful X2.3 class solar flare disrupted shortwave radio signals across parts of the Atlantic Ocean, South America, and Africa, highlighting the potential risks to global infrastructure such as navigation systems and power grids. Captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the flare also poses threats to spacecraft and astronauts due to increased radiation. Scientists are awaiting data to determine if a coronal mass ejection (CME) will impact Earth, potentially causing geomagnetic storms and auroras.
The sun has emitted its second powerful X-class solar flare this week from sunspot AR3738, causing shortwave radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Europe, and parts of the Americas. The flare, which occurred on July 16, 2024, may have also triggered a coronal mass ejection, though it is not expected to impact Earth directly. The sunspot is nearing a "danger zone" that could potentially send more charged particles toward Earth.
A powerful X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR3738 on July 13, 2024, causing shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan. Despite the flare's intensity, it did not produce a coronal mass ejection, meaning no significant geomagnetic activity is expected.
A powerful X1.4-class solar flare from sunspot AR3697 caused radio blackouts across the U.S. and Western Europe. The flare, originating from a sunspot previously known as AR3664, also released a coronal mass ejection (CME) that may impact Earth between May 31 and June 1, potentially triggering a G2 geomagnetic storm and visible auroras in northern U.S. states.
Sunspot region AR3697, responsible for May's powerful auroras, has unleashed another major X-class solar flare, causing shortwave radio blackouts in Western Europe and the Eastern U.S. This sunspot, previously known as AR3664, is expected to continue its activity, potentially leading to more geomagnetic storms and auroras as it moves across the sun's disk and faces Earth in early June.
A powerful X1.1 solar flare erupted from the sun, causing a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean and triggering concerns about a potential geomagnetic storm. The flare, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, was detected by NOAA satellites and comes after a recent "double" X-class flare. Scientists speculate that the sun may have entered its peak activity phase earlier than expected, as seven X-class flares have already occurred in 2024.
Sunspot AR3599 surprised scientists by unleashing a strong M7.4 class solar flare accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, resulting in widespread radio blackouts across Africa and the South Atlantic. The flare's radiation ionized Earth's upper atmosphere, causing shortwave radio blackouts. While the CME is predicted to pass ahead of our planet, a possible glancing blow may trigger minor geomagnetic storms on March 13. Solar flares are bursts of electromagnetic radiation triggered by magnetic energy buildup in the sun's atmosphere, with the recent flare being categorized as M7.43.
A powerful M7.4 X-ray solar flare peaked on Sunday morning, causing limited high-frequency radio blackouts in parts of North and South America. The flare originated from Active Region 3599 on the Sun and was captured by NOAA's GOES East satellite. While solar flares can pose risks to space launches and spacecraft, most people do not need to be concerned as the energetic particles do not reach low enough into Earth's atmosphere to affect the public.
A powerful X-class solar flare from sunspot AR3590 caused radio blackouts over the U.S. West Coast and the Pacific Ocean. Solar flares are sudden bursts of radiation from the sun's surface, and X-class flares are the most powerful. These flares can disrupt radio communication and navigation systems on Earth, and also pose risks to satellite activity and air travel. While the chances of a severe Carrington Event-level flare hitting Earth are low, the impact could be significant due to our reliance on technology.