Learn about the recent solar storm danger as Sun releases its strongest solar flare since 2017, along with two other X-class flares.
Scientists predict that the current solar cycle will reach its peak this year, leading to a rise in both the quantity and strength of solar events like solar flares, solar storms, and CMEs. Recently, the Sun emitted three powerful solar flares towards Earth, with one being the most intense flare of solar cycle 25. This development raises concerns about the potential risk of a solar storm. Stay informed for more information.
Danger of solar storm
According to NASA, the Sun spat out two solar flares yesterday, February 22, just 7 hours apart. The intensity of the first flare was X-1.8, while the second was recorded as an X-1.7 flare. However, just a few hours later, the worst solar flare of the three was thrown out.
The magnitude of this solar flare was measured at X-6.3. NASA says this X-class solar flare is the strongest in solar cycle 25 and the most dangerous observed since 2017! It started with Sunspot AR3590. These solar flares create the danger of solar storms, which can wreak havoc on Earth, damage electronics, cause radio interference, and more.
Class X solar flares: are they dangerous?
X-class solar flares can cause radiation storms that can not only damage satellites, but also give small doses of radiation to people flying in airplanes at the time! Additionally, these destructive flares can disrupt global communications and bring down power grids, causing blackouts.
If the X-class flares are too powerful, they can lead Earth into loops ten times the size that jump off the Sun’s surface as magnetic fields cross, according to NASA. When these loops recombine, they can produce as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs!
