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Scientists have recorded one of the most powerful solar flares in recent times, causing radio outages in the Pacific Ocean. On Sunday, February 24, at 14:27 p.m. Eastern Time, active sunspot AR 4001 emitted an X2.0-class flare. This caused increased ultraviolet radiation, which caused short-wave radio outages and power outages in certain regions of the Earth.
Experts say X-class flares are the most powerful in their category. They can seriously affect radio communications, satellite systems and power grids. This time the consequences were limited, but in the case of stronger events, a more serious impact on terrestrial infrastructure is possible.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the event as a “strong” R3 event on the space weather scale. This is a medium level of threat, but more intense flares can even cause geomagnetic storms. In this case, there is no danger to Earth, since the coronal mass ejection was not directed in our direction.
Solar activity has recently been at the peak of its 11-year cycle, which explains the increase in the number and power of flares. Scientists predict that similar events may occur again in the coming days, although no serious consequences are expected yet.
Although this flare does not pose an immediate threat, researchers continue to monitor the situation. If a powerful coronal mass ejection hits Earth, it could disrupt satellites, navigation systems, and even power grids. The sun remains an unpredictable force, so scientists are calling for close monitoring of its activity.
Scientists have recorded one of the most powerful solar flares in recent times, causing radio outages in the Pacific Ocean. On Sunday, February 24, at 14:27 p.m. Eastern Time, active sunspot AR 4001 emitted an X2.0-class flare. This caused increased ultraviolet radiation, which caused short-wave radio outages and power outages in certain regions of the Earth.
Experts say X-class flares are the most powerful in their category. They can seriously affect radio communications, satellite systems and power grids. This time the consequences were limited, but in the case of stronger events, a more serious impact on terrestrial infrastructure is possible.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the event as a “strong” R3 event on the space weather scale. This is a medium level of threat, but more intense flares can even cause geomagnetic storms. In this case, there is no danger to Earth, since the coronal mass ejection was not directed in our direction.
Solar activity has recently been at the peak of its 11-year cycle, which explains the increase in the number and power of flares. Scientists predict that similar events may occur again in the coming days, although no serious consequences are expected yet.
Although this flare does not pose an immediate threat, researchers continue to monitor the situation. If a powerful coronal mass ejection hits Earth, it could disrupt satellites, navigation systems, and even power grids. The sun remains an unpredictable force, so scientists are calling for close monitoring of its activity.
