What is the worst that could happen during a solar storm? This article covers the topic in depth from X Class Flares to M-class flares and the potential consequences of solar superstorms. What can you do to protect yourself from these upcoming solar events? You can learn more here. But, remember that solar superstorms are unlikely to be a good thing, no matter how large they may be. Until the next solar storm, you may want to consider getting insurance, because if the event does happen, you’ll want to have a backup plan in case of a solar superstorm.
X Class Flare
An X Class Flare in Solar Storm 2021 may have caused magnetic crochet, which is when radiation from the sun ionizes the upper atmosphere and creates currents 60 to 100 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. These currents are powerful enough to affect the Earth’s polar magnetic field. The effects of this solar flare are not limited to magnetic crochet. A Norwegian space weather observer, Rob Stammes, describes the effects of the flare as radio burst, ionospheric disturbance, electrical surges on the ground, and deflection of the local magnetic field.
The massive solar flares that have been affecting Earth since Sunday have spawned auroras. While these auroras typically only appear in the polar regions, an X Class Flare may produce them over lower latitudes. If a G3-class storm occurs on October 30 or 31, it could bring a geomagnetic storm that will impact the Earth around Halloween. This solar event will be a sign of impending solar storms, so be ready!
M-class flare
The Sun is about to experience another M-class flare during its solar storm 2021. NASA’s Heliophysics missions are continually watching the Sun and space to understand what solar eruptions and activity may have on Earth and how it may affect astronauts and satellites. Here’s what we know so far. An M-class flare is an explosion of solar energy that reaches Earth at the speed of light. The sun’s magnetic field lines are affected by these flares.
Space-based satellites, Earth-orbiting satellites, and radio communications can all be affected by the flare. Spacecraft that travel through space can be seriously damaged by solar radiation storms. Astronauts on the International Space Station must take cover and avoid radio broadcasts during an M-class flare. In addition, extravehicular activities must be suspended and radiation-sensitive satellites are turned off until the storm passes. Observers report that minor to extensive radio blackouts are common during M-class flares. This affects mainly High-Frequency radio communications. However, low-frequency navigation signals would also be affected.
G3 flare
A G3 geomagnetic storm could strike Earth on October 30. The US Space Weather Prediction Center has confirmed that a solar flare of X1 class erupted on the Sun from a sunspot called AR2887, which is in the centre of the Sun and facing Earth. This geomagnetic storm is rated G3 on the 5-step solar event grading scale. A G3 solar storm is a nominal impact, as the space debris that is ejected from the Sun does not reach Earth’s atmosphere. However, the solar flare could disrupt GPS signals and possibly interfere with the electricity grid.
While the G3 solar flare is a low-energy event, its high-energy particles and protons are accelerated to nearly-relativistic speeds. Fortunately, this solar event will not affect Earth’s infrastructure and technology, but it could affect certain parts of the polar regions and Earth-orbiting spacecraft. This solar storm may cause aurora to appear over parts of the U.S., so it’s worth keeping an eye out for an aurora forecast.
G4 flare
A large solar flare has been spotted on the Sun today. The flare was rated an X9.3 by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. It was created from a region of the Sun that also produced an X-class flare three hours earlier. Since 4 September, three more moderate-intensity flares have erupted from the same region. A space weather scientist at Trinity College in Dublin tweeted about the active region.
On the morning of the 13th, the G4 flare produced a large CME, which was associated with an M3 flare of long duration. The majority of the ejecta is expected to miss the Earth’s orbit and create a glancing blow. Early on the 15th, solar wind speeds will be slightly elevated. These levels may rise briefly. Solar winds will remain mostly elevated through the 18th and may be slightly elevated again later in the day.
X-class flare
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has recorded a video of a powerful “X-class” solar flare near Earth. It’s believed the flare will have an impact on Earth’s electrical and radio systems. The flare’s source is a large group of sunspots, known as an active region 2887, on the sun’s surface. The region is likely to produce powerful eruptions because the large active regions tend to draw magnetic fields from a wide area, which is the fuel for solar flares.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory is continuously monitoring the Sun and reports the X-class flare as the most powerful so far. The flare came from the sunspot AR2887, which causes disturbances in Earth’s atmosphere. These solar flares can be spectacular, causing northern lights to light up the skies. There are two different levels of X-class solar flares: X1.0 and X2.0. X10 solar flares are the strongest and most powerful.
CME flare
In the summer of 2021, Earth will experience a massive geomagnetic storm, characterized by a huge CME (coronal mass ejection) flare. This storm ranks as a category G3 on the SWPC’s 5-tier scale. It is expected to hit Earth late Saturday and last well into Halloween. The effects of the solar storm will be felt by Earth’s residents and travellers.
The Sun has experienced increased activity for several months now, and the current solar storm will be no exception. A recent coronal mass ejection (CME) has produced an M-class flare. This flare is the result of giant explosions of plasma, also known as coronal mass ejections. In the summer, these CMEs cause minor radio blackouts across Earth. During this time, the sun will experience a new coronal hole near the central meridian.