Unprecedented Solar Activity: The Largest Sunspot in 21 Years Triggers Strongest Solar Radiation Storm since 2017

United States of America
A M9.7-class solar flare preceded the storm on May 10 and caused widespread auroras worldwide.
On June 8, 2023, an S3 solar radiation storm occurred on the sun, marking the strongest such event since September 2017.
Solar radiation storms pose risks to space launch operations and satellites, as well as disrupt shortwave radio signals.
The high solar activity in June 2023 marked the highest monthly average for sunspot numbers in 21 years.
The sunspot responsible for these events is one of the largest seen in years, with a size that can accommodate fifteen Earths.
Unprecedented Solar Activity: The Largest Sunspot in 21 Years Triggers Strongest Solar Radiation Storm since 2017

The sun, our closest star, has been exhibiting unusual activity in recent weeks. On June 8, 2023, an S3 solar radiation storm occurred on the sun, marking the strongest such event since September 2017 (Source A). This storm was preceded by a M9.7-class solar flare on May 10, which led to widespread auroras worldwide (Source B).

Solar radiation storms are caused by intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation from the sun's surface. They can pose risks to space launch operations and satellites, as well as disrupt shortwave radio signals (Source C). The S3 storm on June 8 triggered a polar cap absorption (PCA) event in the northern polar region, absorbing shortwave radio transmissions (Source B).

The sunspot responsible for these events is one of the largest seen in years. It's so big that fifteen Earths could fit inside it (Source D). The high solar activity in June 2023 marked the highest monthly average for sunspot numbers in 21 years (Source E).

The bigger the sunspot, the more powerful the solar flare it can produce. A powerful X1.5-class solar flare occurred on June 10, potentially leading to a geomagnetic storm (Source B).

These events are not uncommon but they do highlight the importance of monitoring solar activity for potential impacts on Earth and space technology.

Sources: A: https://www.mlive.com/weather/2024/06/the-strongest-solar-radiation-storm-since-2017-just-occurred.html B: https://www.yahoo.com/news/solar-flare-blasts- strongest- radiation-storm-since-✗-21511.html C: https://www.space.com/sun-solar-storm-may-✘timelapse D: https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/stargazing-&theres-&a-monster-on-the-sun E: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cycle



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No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

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  • Unique Points
    • An S3 solar radiation storm occurred on June 8, 2023
    • This is the strongest solar radiation storm since September 2017
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
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  • Fallacies (100%)
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  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

90%

  • Unique Points
    • On May 10, 2024, Miguel Claro captured an image of the sun’s chromosphere during a solar storm.
    • The solar storm led to widespread auroras worldwide.
    • Miguel Claro witnessed and captured images of the auroras at Dark Sky Alqueva in Portugal.
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    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

  • Unique Points
    • On June 8, 2024, a M9.7-class solar flare occurred on the sun.
    • The solar flare produced the strongest radiation storm since 2017.
    • Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation that originate from sunspots on the sun’s surface.
    • M-class flares like this one are 10 times weaker than X-class flares but 10 times stronger than C-class flares.
    • The event was registered as strong (S3) on NOAA’s Space Weather Scale for Solar Radiation Storms, and triggered a polar cap absorption (PCA) event in the northern polar region.
    • A coronal mass ejection (CME) accompanied the solar flare and could lead to a geomagnetic storm on June 10, 2024.
    • Geomagnetic Storm Watch remains in place for conditions at the G2 level, which may result in auroras being visible over some northern and upper Midwest States from New York to Idaho on June 10, 2024.
    • On June 10, 2024, a X1.5-class solar flare occurred on the sun.
  • Accuracy
    • , An S3 solar radiation storm occurred on June 8, 2023
    • The radiation storm poses a risk to space launch operations and satellites, and can disrupt shortwave radio signals.
    • Solar radiation storms cause disruptions for satellites and astronauts in space
  • Deception (100%)
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82%

  • Unique Points
    • The enormous sunspot that sparked aurorae across the globe last month is back facing the earth and getting bigger.
    • One of the largest sunspot groups seen in years, this monster is so big that fifteen earths could fit inside it.
    • June 2023 marked the highest monthly average for sunspot numbers in 21 years.
    • Sunspots spawn solar flares, and the bigger the sunspot, the more powerful the flare.
    • A powerful solar flare occurred last week, causing a deep shortwave radio blackout over western parts of the U.S. and Pacific Ocean that lasted around 30 minutes.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (10%)
    The article makes several exaggerated statements that are not supported by facts. For example, the statement 'This monster is so big that fifteen earths could fit inside it!' is an exaggeration and lacks any factual basis. The author also uses emotional manipulation by describing the sunspot as a 'monster' and implying danger to readers with phrases like 'the losses could be $1 to $2 trillion, and the effects could be felt for years.' These statements are intended to create fear in the reader without providing any concrete evidence. The article also engages in selective reporting by focusing only on the potential negative consequences of solar flares while ignoring their positive effects, such as creating auroras. Lastly, the author makes several unsubstantiated claims about the energy output of solar flares and stars.
    • The losses could be $1 to $2 trillion, and the effects could be felt for years.
    • This monster is so big that fifteen earths could fit inside it!
  • Fallacies (100%)
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  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
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    None Found At Time Of Publication