On December 31, 2023, at 4:55 p.m. EST, the Sun released a powerful solar flare. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which monitors the Sun continuously, recorded an image of this event.
The flare has been categorized as an X5.0 flare. The classification of X-class signifies the highest level of intensity for solar flares, with the numerical value offering additional details about its strength.
In an update Sunday evening, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of NOAA also shared an image of the flare, depicting it as a substantial, luminous spot on the surface of the sun. You can view the image below.
What are solar flares and how do they affect Earth?
Solar flares constitute intense bursts of energy. Both flares and solar eruptions have the potential to affect various aspects, including radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and can pose hazards to spacecraft and astronauts.
“A flare is an eruption of energy from the sun that generally lasts minutes to hours,” the SWPC explains.
Solar flares are categorized based on their intensity, similar to how earthquakes are classified, as per NASA. This classification system spans from the lowest B-class flares to C-class, followed by M-class, and ultimately X-class. Each letter denotes a tenfold increase in energy output, and within each class, there is a scale ranging from 1 to 9, except for X-class. X-class flares can surpass 9, with the most significant recorded being an X45 event in 2003.
According to NASA, flares falling into the B- or C-class categories are of insufficient strength to be perceptible on Earth. M-class flares, on the other hand, “can cause brief radio blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms that might endanger astronauts.” When it comes to X-class flares, their effects can be more pronounced, such as causing radiation storms that can affect satellites and expose airplane passengers flying near the poles to minimal radiation doses. NASA also highlights that X-class flares have the potential to result in “global transmission problems and world-wide blackouts.”
Which is the strongest recorded solar flare?
The flare observed on Sunday, rated at X5, was notably smaller in comparison to the 2003 flare, rated at X45. Nevertheless, it stands as the most powerful flare since September 2017 when an X8.2 flare was observed, as reported by the SWPC. This recent flare also surpasses a previous X2.8 solar flare detected in the same region of the sun on December 14. During that event, the SWPC noted that it was "likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded."
How will the Solar Flare affect us?
According to the SWPC, individuals utilizing high-frequency radio signals, including emergency managers, may experience a “temporary degradation or complete loss of signal on much of the sunlit side of Earth” due to the solar flare observed on Sunday.
The SWPC reassures the general population that there is no need for concern. Despite the detection of a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with Sunday's solar flare, the likelihood of anyone witnessing aurora displays on Monday night seemed quite low.
There is a minor geomagnetic storm watch in place for Tuesday, but according to the current forecast from the SWPC, the chances of observing the aurora during that time appear to be even less likely.
Anticipated solar activity and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to become increasingly frequent in 2024 as the sun progresses through Solar Cycle 25.
What is a Solar Cycle?
Solar cycles, spanning 11 years each, involve the reversal of the sun's magnetic poles, leading to phenomena such as solar flares and CMEs. These CMEs are explosive events involving the release of plasma and magnetic materials from the sun, which can reach Earth in as little as 15 to 18 hours, as clarified by NOAA.
CMEs that do make contact with Earth have the potential to not only generate auroras but also affect our navigation, communication, and radio signals.
Although it might sound concerning, it's important to note that the occurrence of a brighter aurora in your sky is not indicative of a five-day blackout and grounded flights.
Can a strong enough Solar Flare destroy Earth?
“Some people worry that a gigantic ‘killer solar flare’ could hurl enough energy to destroy Earth, but this is not actually possible,” NASA previously explained. Furthermore, it's worth noting that solar cycles occur in 11-year cycles. This implies that anyone older than 11 years has already experienced a solar maximum, and in all likelihood, they didn't even notice it happening.
2024 Solar Flare and Solar Eclipse
An additional benefit of the ongoing solar cycle is that the total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, 2024, will take place close to the cycle's maximum activity. This promises an exciting spectacle for skywatchers, as explained by NOAA.
