X-class Solar Flares Cause Power Outage in Pacific Ocean Region Following Sunspot Eruption
The Sun possesses a thin layer of a second atmosphere situated just above the photosphere, along with a vast corona. This particular region is where various solar phenomena, such as solar flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections, occur and can have a direct impact on Earth. While the Sun’s energy is essential for sustaining life on our planet, these related solar events can cause significant damage, particularly to technological instruments. Recently, Earth experienced its most severe solar storm in six years, when a menacing cloud of coronal mass ejection, originating from a sunspot that was 20 times wider than Earth, unexpectedly struck the planet, resulting in a terrifying solar storm that took everyone by surprise.
Now, as a result of the eruption of sunspots, there have been X-class solar flares, which have caused radio outages in some parts of the world.
Solar flares cause power outages
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters have revealed that a sunspot named AR3354 with its beta-gamma-delta magnetic field finally erupted late on July 2, according to a report by spaceweather.com. has thrown powerful X-class solar flares toward Earth, causing a shortwave radio outage in the Pacific Ocean.
The report states: “As predicted, the giant sunspot AR3354 erupted again, producing a powerful X1-class solar flare late on July 2 (2314 UT).”
Why did it cause the blackout?
According to the report, the shortwave radio outage was caused by extreme ultraviolet radiation from a flare ionizing the top of the Earth’s atmosphere. When charged solar particles hit the ground, radio communications and the power grid are affected, and power outages can be observed for several hours or even days.
Are X class solar flares 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 as well.
