Warning: M-class Solar Flares Possible from Earth-facing Sunspot
According to NASA, solar flares are categorized based on their intensity using a logarithmic scale, much like the measurement system used for earthquakes. The lowest level of solar flares, known as A-class, occurs at levels close to the background. This is followed by B, C, M, and X classes. Similar to the Richter scale, each letter on the logarithmic scale represents a tenfold increase in energy output. Therefore, an X-class flare is ten times more powerful than an M-class flare and a hundred times stronger than a C-class flare. Additionally, within each letter class, there is a further scale ranging from 1 to 9.
An Earth-facing sunspot can now trigger powerful solar flares that can wreak havoc.
Unstable sunspot
According to a report by spaceweather.com, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has revealed that an active region on the Sun’s surface, called Sunspot AR3395, has an unstable “beta-delta” magnetic field that can lead to powerful explosions on the sun’s surface. This sunspot can emit dangerous M-class solar flares directly towards us because it is located towards the Earth from the Sun.
The report states: “Sunspot AR3395 has a ‘beta-delta’ magnetic field that contains the energy for powerful M-class solar flares.”
Due to the unstable nature of the sunspot, there is a 99 percent chance of a C-class flare and a 25 percent chance of an M-class flare. According to the report, the chance of an X-class flare is very low, only 1 percent.
The effect of the sun
Our sun has a thin layer of second atmosphere that lies just above the photosphere and a huge corona. This is the region where we see most of the solar phenomena, such as solar flares, visibility, and coronal mass ejections, most of which can directly affect Earth. Although the Sun’s energy is vital for the existence of life on Earth, the associated solar phenomena can cause serious damage, especially to technical instruments.
Powerful X-class solar flares emitted by the Sun can disrupt global communications, damage satellites and knock out power grids, causing blackouts. They can also cause radiation storms that can give small doses of radiation to people flying in airplanes at the time and also to astronauts!
