The Sun emits two extremely powerful solar flares that could impact Earth

solar flare

The Sun is in a phase of intense activity, and recent data have confirmed the emission of two powerful solar flares that could approach our planet. These flares, called X7.1 and X9.0, have been described as some of the most powerful of the last decade, and their impact on space weather could be felt on Earth in the coming days.

Solar activity is cyclical, peaking every 11 years, and we are now nearing the peak of solar cycle 25, meaning the number of sunspots, flares and solar storms is increasing significantly. X-class solar flares are the most intense and can have significant effects on Earth, from telecommunications interference to radio blackouts and disruptions to power grids.

The most recent solar flares

On October 1, the Sun emitted a X7.1 class flare, one of the strongest of the year. Less than 48 hours later, a second flare, even more powerful, reached an intensity of X9.0, which has raised alarm bells among space weather observers, as it could trigger a geomagnetic storm over Earth. This storm could trigger effects such as the intensification of the northern and southern lights, which could be visible at more unusual latitudes.

According to NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the USA), the space prediction model WSA-Enlil Solar plasma from the X7.1 flare is expected to arrive late on October 4 or 5. This event could trigger G3-level solar storms, categorized as strong. In addition, although no formal warnings have yet been issued about the X9.0 flare, scientists are analyzing its potential impact on our planet.

powerful solar flare

Expected impacts on Earth

Solar flares are explosions of energy released on the surface of the Sun and can have direct consequences on Earth. One of the first manifestations of these flares is the interruption of radio communications., especially at higher frequencies such as those used by aircraft and GPS navigation systems. In addition, geomagnetic storms that can be caused by the collision of solar plasma with the Earth's magnetic field can damage telecommunications satellites and cause failures in electrical networks.

Another of the most visible effects of these phenomena is the creation of intense auroras. Charged particles impacting the Earth's atmosphere generate those impressive light shows that we often see at the poles. Most notably, due to the magnitude of recent solar flares, Auroras could be seen in unusual areas, far from their usual areas near the poles. This means that people at lower latitudes might have the chance to witness the well-known northern lights.

Solar Cycle 25 and What It Means

Since the end of 2019, our star has been progressively increasing in activity, entering what is known as the solar cycle 25This cycle is part of a series of cycles that last about 11 years each. We are currently approaching the cycle's peak, which is expected to occur in 2025. As we approach that point, the number of sunspots and flares like those in early October will continue to increase.

For example, in May 2024, an intense solar storm produced by a flare of class X8.7 caused an aurora visible in many parts of the world and was a clear reminder of the effects that the space climate can have on Earth. While solar storms like this are usually harmless, they can cause temporary failures in technology, and in extreme cases, lead to more serious problems such as blackouts.

solar storm 2023
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An X9.0-class flare, comparable to the recent one, caused significant communications disruptions in September 2017. And in 2003, an X17-class flare generated auroras that were visible even at lower latitudes, something exceptional.

In addition to solar flares, the Sun can also generate eruptions known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs)These are more dangerous for us, as they not only emit radiation, but also expel particles that, if they reach the Earth, trigger phenomena such as solar storms that affect the electrical grid and satellite technology.

In short, we are facing a critical moment in the solar cycle and it is expected that we will continue to witness similar phenomena over the next few months. In fact, scientists anticipate that The most intense chapter of solar cycle 25 is just around the corner, with more sunspots and flares to come.


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