New Solar Storm: Sun Releases Three Powerful Solar Flares, Causing Potential Radio Blackouts and Geomagnetic Storms

A new solar storm occurred earlier this week after the Sun released three powerful solar flares facing the sunlit side of Earth. Reports in recent days indicate the X-class flares potentially caused radio blackouts and geomagnetic storms in an unspecified quadrant of our planet. The highly-energized solar particles are capable of disrupting high-frequency radio communications, satellite signals, and even the global positioning system (GPS).

X-class solar flares are the strongest out of a four-category measured by space scientists, with the B-class being the weakest, followed by C-class, M-class, and X-class flares. Each letter represents the intensity of the solar storms emitted by the Sun. Just like the Richter scale used by geologists and seismologists to measure an earthquake, flares are also measured based on the strength of an event but depending on the amount of space particles emitted.

The Sun is currently in Solar Cycle 25, which is the 25^th period in an 11-year interval since recordings started in the year 1755. The basis of the first solar cycle is the extensive recording of solar sunspots and when it started. The ongoing cycle started in December 2019 and is expected to last until 2030. During this period, our Sun can emit solar storms that are 'unlikely' life-threatening. However, experts warn that a relatively powerful solar flare can still pose a threat.

New Solar Storm Alert

(Photo : Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

The solar flares that transpired from the Sun in recent days may not be deadly to humans and animals but can be disruptive in certain locations, including in busy areas of the world. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the new solar storm is associated with radio bursts due to the release of solar flares. The SWPC adds that flares of this caliber can still influence sensitive receivers, including GPS, radar, and satellite communications.

The three solar flares occurred in succession starting from Thursday morning (local time), February 22, to Saturday afternoon, February 24. The intensity of the X-class flares ranges from X1.8 to X1.7, and X6.3. As of Friday, February 23, there have been no reports of significant disruptions on Earth. Yet, the aftermath of the recent solar storm could pave the way for different solar weather in the coming weeks and months.

Also Read: Solar Storm Alert: SWPC Issues Warning for Powerful Geomagnetic Storm Hitting Earth Soon

Solar Cycle 25 and Solar Flare

As mentioned earlier, Solar Cycle 25 is ongoing as a part of an 11-year cycle. However, experts in recent years said that solar storms will experience an increase in frequency and intensity, especially during the "solar maxima." Scientists even classify solar flares through their brightness and x-ray wavelengths, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). Back on Earth, the number of phenomena caused by ongoing reports is also taken into consideration.

The ESA says that X-class flares are significantly large. There are also solar storm events (along with coronal mass ejections) that can trigger radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms in the upper atmosphere in recent weeks.