NASA captured bright color images of the phenomenon known as coronal mass ejection (CME) from the solar dynamics observatory, a spacecraft launched in 2010 that constantly monitors the sun’s activity.
NASA declared that this was a class X explosion of the highest intensity with the potential to affect radio communications, power grids, navigation signals and pose a risk to spacecraft and astronauts.
The violent explosion on the solar surface reportedly caused approximately two hours of radio blackout in parts of the United States and elsewhere during daylight hours.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather prediction center called it “an incredible event” and “one of the largest solar flare events ever recorded.”
The center said the impact of the explosion on radio communications was felt between noon and 2 p.m. on Thursday, and that scientists were analyzing other effects of the CME “located in the far northwestern region of the sun.”
The center reported that this was the strongest solar flare recorded since September 10, 2017, and the strongest of the current solar cycle.
While most Class X solar flares that impact Earth are rated 1 to 9, Thursday’s event was rated 8.
It is known that the most powerful solar flare in history was the X28 event on November 4, 2003.
2023-12-16 11:14:00
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