Latest news with #SolarDynamicsObservatory
Sustainability Times
21-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Sun Unleashes Fury': World's Strongest Solar Flare of 2025 Disrupts Radio Signals Across Five Continents in Minutes
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 The sun unleashed its strongest solar flare of 2025, affecting radio communications across five continents. of 2025, affecting radio communications across five continents. 📡 The X2.7 flare caused shortwave radio disruptions, with NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory capturing stunning images. caused shortwave radio disruptions, with NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory capturing stunning images. 🔭 Solar flares are classified by intensity, with strong storms posing risks to astronauts and technology but also creating spectacular auroras. and technology but also creating spectacular auroras. 🌌 As the sun enters a particularly active phase, scientists anticipate more solar storms, urging preparedness for future cosmic events. In a stunning display of cosmic power, the sun recently unleashed its most significant solar flare of the year, sending ripples across the Earth's technological landscape. Spanning five continents, the flare's impact was felt in North America, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, causing widespread radio blackouts. As the solar cycle intensifies, scientists are closely monitoring these phenomena, recognizing both the potential hazards and the breathtaking beauty they bring to our skies. The Solar Dynamics Observatory's timely capture of these events reminds us of the sun's majestic, yet unpredictable nature. Solar Surge Sparks Chaos In the early hours of a recent Wednesday, the Space Weather Prediction Center recorded a formidable X2.7 solar flare, following an earlier M5.3 flare. Just the day before, NASA had observed an X1.2 flare, highlighting the sun's escalating activity. These flares, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, are a testament to the sun's volatile behavior. Shawn Dahl from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center noted that the X2.7 flare, occurring over the Middle East, led to high-frequency radio disruptions for about ten minutes. Such events, while brief, underscore the broader implications of solar activity. Although primarily affecting radio communications, the flare's potential impacts extend beyond mere disruptions. As Dahl pointed out, while the immediate effects were limited to communication challenges, the underlying risk of more severe consequences remains. High-intensity solar flares can jeopardize astronauts, disrupt GPS systems, and even threaten power infrastructures. As these solar events unfold, the world watches with a mix of awe and apprehension, recognizing the dual nature of the sun's fiery displays. Unbelievable Discovery: Titan's Rivers Defy Expectations by Ending in Deep Pits Instead of Expected Deltas, Shocking Scientists Worldwide Flares, Fallout, and Forecasts Solar flares are classified into categories ranging from A to X, with each letter representing a tenfold increase in energy. Within these categories, a numerical scale from 1 to 9 further specifies the intensity, as established by NASA. The recent X2.7 flare exemplifies the sun's strength, with such events posing significant risks to modern technology and safety. Beyond the immediate threat to astronauts and satellites, these solar storms can disrupt radio communications and power grids. When charged solar particles collide with Earth's magnetic field, they can induce currents in power lines, leading to potential outages. Despite these hazards, solar storms also offer a silver lining. They can create stunning auroras, extending the reach of the northern lights far beyond their usual limits. This occurs as charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric atoms, producing vibrant light displays. As we continue through the solar maximum, part of the sun's 11-year cycle, scientists predict a rise in such solar events. This phase, characterized by increased solar activity, promises more spectacular sky shows and challenges in managing their earthly impacts. 'Nuclear Breakthrough at NASA': New Space Power System Passes First Test Using Fuel That's Five Times Cheaper Than Before Reflections on Recent Solar Events While the recent X2.7 flare stands as the most powerful of 2025, it pales in comparison to last year's massive X9.0 flare, which erupted in October 2024. This highlights the sun's unpredictable nature, with each solar cycle bringing its unique set of challenges and marvels. As we navigate this solar maximum, the lessons learned from past flares guide our preparedness for future events. The robust observation capabilities of institutions like NASA ensure that we remain vigilant, ready to mitigate the risks associated with solar activity. Understanding the sun's behavior is crucial, not only for technological resilience but also for appreciating the natural wonders these solar events create. As we enhance our forecasting abilities and protective measures, we also embrace the opportunity to witness the sun's majestic displays, reminding us of our place in the cosmic order. '56,000 Homes Become a Power Plant': California Firm Creates Largest Virtual Energy Source in US With Revolutionary Grid-Sharing Tech Preparing for the Future As we stand at the cusp of heightened solar activity, it becomes imperative to bolster our technological defenses and enhance our understanding of the sun's cycles. The sun's recent flares serve as a wake-up call, urging us to develop more robust systems capable of withstanding such cosmic events. Innovations in satellite technology and power grid management will be essential in ensuring that society can thrive amidst the sun's fiery displays. Moreover, public awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in educating communities about the potential impacts and necessary precautions during solar storms. While the challenges are significant, the potential for scientific advancement and discovery is equally promising. As we gaze toward the sun, we do so with a sense of wonder and responsibility, knowing that our actions today will shape our resilience in the face of tomorrow's solar challenges. How will we leverage our growing knowledge and technological capabilities to better coexist with the sun's powerful, and sometimes perilous, presence? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (30)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Earth braces for major solar storm; NASA warns of GPS outages, blackouts
Nasa has issued a high-level warning following an explosive surge in solar activity, cautioning that powerful solar storms could disrupt GPS systems, radio communications, and even power infrastructure in the coming days. The alert follows an X2.7-class solar flare — the strongest of 2025 so far — erupting from a newly active sunspot, captured by Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The intense flare peaked on May 14, causing temporary radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), high-frequency communications were knocked out for up to ten minutes in some areas. With the Sun approaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, scientists are monitoring several volatile sunspot regions that could unleash further solar storms. The severity of the recent eruption has prompted multiple global space weather agencies to raise alert levels, warning that more disruptive events may follow. In the coming days, experts anticipate satellite glitches, navigation interruptions, and communication blackouts as solar turbulence intensifies. What are solar flares? According to Nasa, a solar flare is a sudden burst of particles, energy, magnetic fields, and material blasted into the solar system by the Sun. The recent X2.7-class solar flare ranks among the most powerful eruptions on record, with the potential to immediately impact Earth's upper atmosphere. Travelling at the speed of light, these bursts can reach Earth in just eight minutes, disrupting high-frequency radio signals, GPS systems, and aviation operations — particularly on the sunlit side of the planet. X-class flares, the most dangerous type, can cause global technological fallout. 'When directed toward Earth, a solar storm can create a major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field, called a geomagnetic storm, that can produce effects such as radio blackouts, power outages, and beautiful auroras,' NASA explained. While Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field shield us from harmful radiation at ground level, strong flares can interfere with radio transmissions in the upper atmosphere and damage satellites and spacecraft operating beyond this protective barrier. Solar flares are classified into five strength categories — A, B, C, M, and X — with each step representing a tenfold increase in energy. While C-class flares are considered minor, M-class are moderate, and X-class events can trigger significant global disruptions. World's first space emergency drill In a global first, the United States has conducted a space weather emergency drill to test preparedness for extreme solar storms. Led by NOAA, the exercise brought together multiple federal agencies to simulate the fallout from a powerful solar superstorm. The drill assessed how government bodies would coordinate a response, communicate across sectors, and safeguard critical infrastructure. Simulated scenarios included radiation hazards to satellites, astronauts, and commercial aircraft, widespread power outages affecting railways and pipelines, and disruption of satellite-based communications.
CTV News
21-05-2025
- Science
- CTV News
NASA confirms two major solar flares on sun, which can cause blackouts on Earth
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash on the left – on May 14. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in red. (NASA/SDO) NASA confirmed two solar flares erupting on the surface of the sun last week, an event that they say can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals and pose risks to spacecrafts and astronauts in the orbit. The first flare occurred May 13 at 11:38 a.m. EDT, and was recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. Classified as an X1.2 flare, NASA says the 'X-class denotes the most intense flares.' The second solar flare, peaking at 4:25 a.m. EDT on May 14, was also recorded by the Solar Dynamics Observatory. This flare was classified as an X2.7 flare. The flares occurred on sunspot AR4087, an extremely active region on the sun. Space photographer Vincent Ledvina, who studies space physics at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, reacted with a 'wow' when studying the flare ups. 'This is getting intense, especially as this active region turns closer into view,' Ledvina said on social media. What are 'solar storms'? A solar storm is a sudden explosion of particles, energy, magnetic fields and material blasted into the solar system by the sun, NASA explains. A solar storm is caused due to a 'tangled mess of magnetic fields' created by the sun. According to NASA, these magnetic fields get twisted up as the sun rotates – with its equator rotating faster than its poles. 'Solar storms typically begin when these twisted magnetic fields on the sun get contorted and stretched so much that they snap and reconnect (in a process called magnetic reconnection), releasing large amounts of energy,' the space agency said. A solar storm can create major disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field, called a geomagnetic storm, the space agency's website reads. This storm can cause radio blackouts, power outages and beautiful auroras brought on by coronal mass ejections (CME), which occurs when charged solar particles pass through the Earth's atmosphere. What are 'solar flares'? A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation or light on the sun, according to the space agency. 'These flashes span the electromagnetic spectrum – including X-rays, gamma rays, radio waves and ultraviolet and visible light,' NASA said. Solar flares are the most powerful explosions in the solar system — the biggest ones can have as much energy as 'a billion hydrogen bombs,' according to NASA. Solar flares are classified as A, B, C, M and X – with X being the strongest flare and A being the weakest. 'The energy from a flare travels at the speed of light, which means it reaches Earth about eight minutes after a flare happens,' NASA said. 'Essentially, by the time we see a flare, most of its effects are here.' Solar flare Material rises from the edge of the sun, as seen in extreme ultraviolet light by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. (NASA/SDO) However, the harmful radiation from a flare does not affect us on the ground since we are shielded by Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field. But a strong flare can disrupt communications that pass through the upper atmosphere and affect satellites and other spacecrafts. 'There are five sunspot regions on the Earth-facing disc, however these are mostly small, simple and with little sign of growth,' the Met Office said in its latest space weather forecast. 'The most notable is in the north-centre, however this is overall much simpler and less active than a few days ago.' Another strong solar flare was recorded previously by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, peaking at 11:38 a.m. EDT on May 13. This flare is classified as an X1.2 flare, NASA says. The most powerful flare ever measured was recorded in 2003 as an X28, before NASA's sensors were overwhelmed by it. CTV News previously wrote that NASA had warned of potential blackouts on Earth due to these specific solar flares. However, NASA has said that solar flares can cause blackouts on Earth.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
1 million km wide hole in the Sun is sending solar winds to Earth; How will it impact us
The Sun is the central star of our solar system and its intense power is unpredictable. Sometimes this leads to some massive events in the Solar system that can impact Earth in unexpected ways, like creating dazzling auroras to disruptions in satellite communications. The Sun's activity is closely monitored by scientists who are always on the lookout for signs of major solar events. While we often think of the Sun as a distant, stable entity, its outbursts can have far-reaching effects not only upon the Earthly skies but also on technology, communication, and even power grids on Earth. Recently, space weather forecasters issued warnings after a massive hole, spanning over a million kilometers wide, opened up in the Sun's atmosphere, sending powerful streams of solar wind in Earth's direction. The hole is visible in extreme ultraviolet images captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. What is this hole in the Sun? Coronal holes are areas where the Sun's magnetic field opens up, allowing charged particles to escape at speeds that can exceed 700 kilometers per second. These high-speed winds are a major contributor to geomagnetic storms on Earth. On Monday, a magnetic filament erupted from the Sun's northern hemisphere, launching a coronal mass ejection (CME) into space. According to NOAA forecasters, this CME could strike Earth's magnetic field on May 23, intensifying the risk of a G1-class geomagnetic storm. According to India Today, "Minor G1-class storms are also possible from May 20 to 22 as Earth moves through a high-speed solar wind stream originating from the newly formed coronal hole," said NOAA officials. These storms, though minor, can cause disruptions in radio communications and satellite operations. This has already started impacting the Earth The solar wind from the coronal hole is already having visible effects on Earth. The high-speed solar wind has caused minor geomagnetic storms, leading to stunning auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual. Although the immediate risk is considered moderate, scientists are keeping a close eye on the situation as the Sun is currently in a period of heightened activity, known as the solar maximum, which is commonly characterised by frequent solar flares, sunspots, and eruptions. The current period of solar maximum means we can expect more solar outbursts in the coming months.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
NASA Warns Of Massive Solar Storm That Could Trigger Blackouts
NASA has issued a warning about heightened solar activity in the coming days, cautioning that intense solar storms may disrupt communications, navigation systems, and even power grids on Earth. The alert follows the strongest solar flare of the year, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The powerful X2.7-class solar flare erupted from a newly active sunspot, AR4087, and peaked on May 14, causing temporary radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. According to the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the high-frequency communication outages lasted nearly ten minutes in some regions. NASA and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center are closely tracking this active solar zone, which continues to release powerful radiation bursts. The agency has warned that further flares could impact astronauts, satellites, and Earth-based technologies, including GPS systems, aviation communication, and electrical infrastructure. Vincent Ledvina, a prominent aurora expert, said the situation is becoming "intense" as the active region rotates into full view of Earth. "This same sunspot just produced an M5.3 flare a few hours ago. What does it have planned next... we'll have to wait and see," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Sun is currently nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle - known as the solar maximum - when such powerful eruptions become more frequent. The UK Met Office said these flares could produce visible auroras in parts of the UK and Ireland around May 22, though such stunning displays are also indicators of underlying geomagnetic disturbances. Solar flares are sudden bursts of radiation triggered by magnetic energy buildup in the Sun's atmosphere. An X-class flare - the most intense type - can significantly affect the Earth's ionosphere, interrupt satellite signals, and pose risks to space missions. Should the public be concerned? Experts say there is little cause for alarm among the general public, but sectors reliant on satellite navigation, aviation, and maritime operations are advised to remain alert to potential disruptions.
