Solar flares occur when magnetic fields in the sun reconnect, releasing energy.
The National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) has issued a warning for potential disruptions due to anticipated solar flares.
The sun experienced three solar flares on May 2, 3 and 5.
Two of the flares were X-class and one was M-class.
X-class solar flares can disrupt communication systems and pose a threat to power grids.
The sun has recently experienced a series of powerful solar flares, two of which were X-class and one M-class. These eruptions occurred within a six-hour window from each other, originating from the same active sunspot region AR3663.
On May 2, an X1.7 flare took place at 02:22 U.T., causing shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Japan, and much of China. Six hours later on May 3, another X-class flare occurred at approximately the same location on the sun's surface.
The third event was an M-class flare that took place on May 5. These solar flares pose a threat to Earth as they can disrupt communication systems and power grids, as well as expose astronauts to dangerous doses of radiation.
According to the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) in China, there is a warning for potential disruptions due to anticipated solar flares. The NSMC advises users of radio communication to mitigate potential disruptions by switching frequencies or employing alternative communication methods.
Solar flares are intense bursts of energy that erupt from the sun and can have significant effects on Earth. They occur when magnetic fields in and around the Sun reconnect, releasing a large amount of energy. Flares are classified according to their strength: X > M > C > B.
The latest solar flares serve as a reminder of the sun's immense power and the importance of understanding its impact on our planet. Scientists continue to monitor these events closely and will provide updates on any potential impacts to Earth.
A solar flare of X-class strength, specifically an X4.5 flare, occurred at 2:35 a.m. EST (0635 GMT) on May 6.
The solar flare caused temporary or complete loss of high frequency (HF) radio signals in parts of Asia, eastern Europe, and eastern Africa.
This is the latest in a series of eruptions from an active sunspot that began at the beginning of May and brought shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Japan and much of China.
Both regions 3663 and 3664 have the potential to stay active through May 8.
Moderate to high levels of solar activity are expected with an increased likelihood for more flares in the top two classes, M and X.
Scientists will monitor if there was a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the eruption, which could bring additional impacts to Earth in the coming days including issues with power grids, telecommunication networks, and satellites in orbit.
Solar physicist Keith Strong noted a weak geomagnetic storm early on May 6 but it’s ‘too soon’ to determine if there was any correlation with the solar flare.
Accuracy
An X-class flare occurred at 2:35 a.m. EST (0635 GMT) on May 6.
At least two more M-class flares and possibly another X-class or two are predicted to emerge from AR 3663 before it rotates away from Earth.
An X1.6 flare from AR 3663 on 3 May 2024 is expected to generate a moderate geomagnetic storm on May 6.
China's National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) has issued a warning for potential disruptions to communication systems due to anticipated solar flares.
An X-class solar flare occurred on Sunday afternoon.
Additional solar flares are expected between May 6 and 8.
These upcoming flares will likely fall within the X-class or M-class categories.
Accuracy
At least two more M-class flares and possibly another X-class or two are predicted to emerge from AR 3663 before it rotates away from Earth.
Solar flares can cause temporary radio blackouts on Earth's ionosphere when accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME).
