On the Sun, the most powerful flare in many years occurred: what is known about it and is there a threat

On December 14, 2023, the Sun experienced a class X2.8 flare, marking it as the most powerful solar flare since September 2017. This event resulted in a radio blackout in some regions of South America, causing a temporary deterioration or complete loss of radio signals at high frequencies for two hours.

This information is reported by ScienceAlert. The Sun triggered the release of billions of tons of plasma (CME), soaring into space at a speed of millions of miles per hour.

Such massive eruptions tend to propel solar plasma into space, and clouds of these charged particles can induce geomagnetic storms when they reach Earth.

A geomagnetic storm occurs when a stream of solar particles collides with Earth's magnetic field. Since these particles take some time to reach Earth, a storm can occur days after the emission of a coronal mass ejection (CME).

During geomagnetic storms, issues with electricity and radio communications may arise, requiring adjustments to some satellites. However, such a powerful cosmic phenomenon can also enhance the appearance of bright auroras in certain areas.

Scientists consider such solar activity to be quite normal. At the peak, known as the solar maximum, the polarity of the Sun's magnetic field will change, and the activity will begin to subside. The exact timing of this event is not yet known, but scientists predict it will occur in January 2024.

Researchers assure that there is no need to worry. Despite the strength of the flare, it was not directly above Earth but occurred from the side, meaning the impact was directed in the opposite direction.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA published a study by scientists on how the human brain dies.

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