Australia and Southeast Asia experience radio blackout due to powerful M-class solar flare
In recent times, Sunspot AR3575 has been emitting significant quantities of solar material, resulting in numerous coronal mass ejections and solar flares originating from this particular source. On February 6, this sunspot discharged a hazardous M-class solar flare, leading to power outages in various regions across the globe. Solar activity has been escalating perilously over the past few months and is anticipated to further intensify as we approach solar maximum. Gain comprehensive knowledge about the impactful M-class solar flare that affected Earth in recent days.
M class solar flare
In an X-message, space weather physicist Dr. Tamitha Skov wrote: “As if on cue, area 3575 fires an M4.2 flare at high R1 level #RadioBlackout and sets off a spectacular #solarstorm. Most likely this storm isn’t directed at Earth, but it sure makes for some pretty fireworks.” “
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory revealed that the solar flare took just 8 minutes to reach Earth as it traveled at the speed of light. It was reported to be an M4 solar flare with a magnitude of M4.2. A SpaceWeather report revealed that the shortwave radio outage was caused by extreme ultraviolet radiation ionizing the top of Earth’s atmosphere. It caused radio outages in Australia and Southeast Asia, and communications outages were seen on frequencies below 30 MHz up to an hour after the peak of the solar flare.
When charged solar particles hit the Earth, radio communications and the electrical grid are affected when they hit the planet’s magnetic field. It can cause power and radio outages for several hours or even days. However, power grid problems only occur if the solar flare is very large.
Are M class solar flares dangerous?
According to NASA, M class solar flares are moderate in intensity and can cause short radio outages. This is because when solar particles hit Earth, radio communications and the electrical grid are affected as they hit the planet’s magnetic field.
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