In a dramatic display of solar activity, the sun unleashed two powerful X-class solar flares on August 5, raising both scientific interest and potential concerns about their effects on Earth.
The first of the two flares erupted from sunspot AR3767, reaching its peak intensity at 9:40 a.m. EDT (1340 GMT) and registering as an X1.7 class flare. Just under two hours later, at 11:27 a.m. EDT (1527 GMT), a second flare from sunspot AR3780 peaked with an X1.1 classification.
What are X-class flares?
X-class flares are the most intense type of solar flares, capable of causing significant impacts if accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs, which are massive bursts of solar plasma, can trigger geomagnetic storms when they collide with Earth's magnetic field.
Such geomagnetic storms have the potential to disrupt power grids and communication systems but can also intensify auroras, making these natural light displays more spectacular and visible at lower latitudes. Over the past weekend, a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm enhanced the northern lights across parts of the U.S. West Coast.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the location of sunspot AR3767 suggests that direct impacts from a CME, if one was launched with today's first flare, are unlikely. Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential effects of the second flare from sunspot AR3780.
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SWPC scientists forecast continued solar flare activity through midweek from three active sunspots — AR3772, AR374, and AR3780 — as they traverse the sun's surface. While low-end geomagnetic storms remain possible, this forecast could change depending on the strength and direction of future solar storms and any associated CMEs.
The scientific community remains vigilant, monitoring these solar events to predict and mitigate any potential impacts on Earth.
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