According to NOAA, a large X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot area 3912 at 4:06 a.m. EST on December 8. The solar event, which was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), resulted in radio blackouts in southern Africa, which was then exposed to the sun. Experts believe the CME may brush Earth, causing modest geomagnetic disruptions.
Radio blackouts were seen across Southern Africa
The powerful flare ionized Earth's upper atmosphere, disrupting high-frequency radio communications. According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, ionisation increased air density, which absorbed radio signals and weakened long-distance communication. Southern Africa had significant interruptions since it was in direct sunlight during the flare's peak.
Expert Opinion on Solar Impact
Dr Tamitha Skov, a space weather physicist, remarked on the social networking site X that the CME's consequences on Earth are likely to be minimal. She said in a statement that the solar storm will skim Earth to the west. Fast solar wind streams may deflect the structure even farther west, causing modest effects by midday on December 11.
Understanding Solar Flares and their Effects
Solar flares are strong bursts of electromagnetic radiation that originate from the Sun. They are grouped into five groups based on their strength: A, B, C, M, and X. The most intense flares are X-class, which may seriously interrupt satellite operations and communication networks. This latest eruption highlights an active time in the present solar cycle, increasing the possibility of future such eruptions.
While the Earth is mostly unharmed by this flare, scientists stress the necessity of monitoring solar activity to reduce possible hazards to technological infrastructure.
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