NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has recorded a powerful M-class solar flare erupting from the active sunspot. Will it impact Earth? Know what NOAA experts have said.
Intense Solar Flare Unleashes Powerful Radiation Burst
The Sun has been active for the past few days, thanks to the Sunspot AR3654. According to the latest updates from NOAA, this sunspot has produced its most powerful eruption yet – an M9.5-class flare. As per a spaceweather.com report, “Active sunspot AR3654 just produced its strongest eruption yet–an M9.5-class flare only percentage points from category X.”
Solar flares are classified into five major classes – A, B, C, M and the most powerful X-class solar flares, which are said to be the most powerful, rare, and can cause global radio blackouts. While, M-class solar flares are 10 times smaller than the X-class solar flares, capable of causing brief radio blackouts over the polar regions. However, this time, it is an M9.5-class solar flare which is almost equal to an X1-class eruption.
The report further mentioned that NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the extreme ultraviolet flash from this intense flare. “Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth‘s atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout over much of the Pacific Ocean. Mariners and ham radio operators may have noticed a loss of signal below 20 MHz for as much as 30 minutes after the flare’s peak.” the report Spaceweather.com mentioned.
Observation of Solar Flares By NASA
As we know the Sun is moving towards its solar maximum in 2025, the sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections are rising with every passing week. Monitoring and understanding these phenomena is crucial for safeguarding our satellites, power grids, and communication networks from potential disruptions.
NASA’s NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory is a mission which has been observing the Sun since its launch in 2010. Last week, NASA observed 28 M-class flares, 6 C-class flares, 39 CMEs, and 1 geomagnetic storm.
NASA To Observe Solar Storms At Mars
In the coming months, two of NASA’s Mars spacecraft will have a unique opportunity to study how solar flares – massive explosions on the Sun’s surface – could impact robots and future astronauts on the Red Planet. The reason for this opportune timing is that the Sun is entering a period of peak activity known as solar maximum, which occurs approximately every 11 years. During this phase, the Sun is particularly prone to unleashing intense outbursts, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which release radiation deep into space. When a series of these solar events occur, it is referred to as a solar storm.
Before sending humans to Mars, space agencies need to determine, among other crucial details, the level of radiation protection astronauts would require. By studying the impact of solar storms on Mars during this period, scientists can gather valuable data to help ensure the safety of future human exploration missions to the Red Planet.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
