Massive solar flares erupt, power grids, telecommunication networks may be hit hard. Know in detail

Power grids, telecommunication networks and orbiting satellites can be hit hard across the world as two colossal solar flare explosions have occurred recently. These solar flares can also expose astronauts to dangerous doses of radiation. Solar flare explosions trigger geomagnetic storms which in turn spark dynamic aurora displays visible at latitudes beyond their 'normal' polar range.

According to 'space.com', the first eruption took place on May 2 when the sun released the most powerful category flare, an X-class solar flare. It caused shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Japan and much of China. The second solar explosion occurred on May 3, when an M-class solar flare, peaked around 4:00 a.m. EDT (0800 GMT).

Confirming the solar explosion, the US Air Force said that a Type II solar radio burst "a type of natural radio signal emitted by shocked gas at the leading edge of a CME" took place.

Solar physicist Keith Strong took to social media platform X to declare that it was the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. He wrote in his post, "X FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at 02:22 U.T."

X FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at 02:22 U.T. This is the 30th X flare so far during SC25, compared to just 19 at the same stage in SC24 pic.twitter.com/zYgvqjm0Af

— Keith Strong (@drkstrong) May 3, 2024

What is a solar flare?

A solar flare is a relatively intense, localized emission of electromagnetic radiation in the Sun's atmosphere. Flares occur in active regions and are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections or the CME, solar particle events, and other eruptive solar phenomena. The occurrence of solar flares varies with the 11-year solar cycle.

FAQs:

When did the recent solar explosion take place?

The first solar eruption occurred on May 2 when the sun released the most powerful category flare, an X-class solar flare.The second solar explosion occurred on May 3, when an M-class solar flare, peaked around 4:00 a.m. EDT (0800 GMT).

What is a solar flare?

A solar flare is a relatively intense, localized emission of electromagnetic radiation in the Sun's atmosphere.

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