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The sun is an active star and is constantly active with magnetic field activity. This activity can sometimes flare up into powerful solar flares, which can send a stream of energy and radiation toward Earth. During an 11-year solar cycle, there can be up to 2,000 rays of sunlight of varying intensities. Not all of these flares will produce coronal mass eruptions (CMEs), and in the vast expanses of space, fewer of those flares will hit Earth.
On August 7, 2023, the Sun released an intense solar flare that peaked at 4:46 p.m. EDT. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which closely monitors the activities of the Sun, captured this image.
The sun emitted a strong solar flare on August 7, 2023, peaking at 4:46 p.m. EDT. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, classified as X1.5. https://t.co/MEYYmrSDkI pic.twitter.com/0WCotB48eR
– NASA’s Sun and Space (@NASAsun)
August 7, 2023
Solar flares are classified as X1.5, which is the second most powerful type of solar flare. The flames were so powerful that they caused radio waves to be lost on the daylight side of the Earth. This means radio communications have been disrupted in most of the United States, Canada, and the Pacific.
The fire also caused minor disruption to GPS and satellite communications. However, there have been no reports of major damage or injuries caused by the explosion.
This solar flare is a reminder of the Sun’s power and the potential impact that solar activity can have on Earth. In addition to the loss of radio waves, the X1.5 flare caused a number of other effects on Earth.
What is solar flare?
Image: NASA
A solar storm is a sudden, violent eruption of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun. The flares occur in the active regions of the Sun, where strong magnetic fields are concentrated. When these magnetic fields become entangled and unstable, they can release a burst of energy that travels through the Sun’s atmosphere and into space.
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How do solar storms happen?
Solar storms occur when the Sun’s magnetic field becomes disordered and unstable. This can happen when sunspots, which are regions of strong magnetic activity, collide. When the magnetic fields of two sunspots collide, they can be twisted and knotted together. This can create a buildup of energy that is eventually released as a solar flare.
The sun is in the spotlight this weekend. ️
This solar flare, along with the coronal mass ejection and eruption, was seen above the Sun on July 28.
Learn more about these explosive features: https://t.co/FhUDx7K1ci pic.twitter.com/EAkddTciIq
– NASA’s Sun and Space (@NASAsun)
July 28, 2023
What are the different types of sunlight?
Solar storms are classified according to their intensity, which is measured by the peak flux of soft X-rays emitted by the flare. The soft X-rays emitted by the hot plasma are accelerated during the flare.
The different types of sunlight are:
Class A flare: The weakest type of solar flare. Class A flares have peak fluxes ranging from 10^-8 to 10^-7 watts per square meter. They usually go unnoticed on Earth, but they can sometimes cause minor interruptions to radio communications.
Category B: Solar storm of moderate intensity. Class B flares have peak fluxes from 10^-6 to 10^-5 watts per square meter. They can cause temporary radio loss and can sometimes disrupt GPS signals.
Class C flare: Strong solar storm. Class C flares have peak fluxes of 10^-4 to 10^-3 watts per square meter. They can cause widespread radio loss and can sometimes damage satellites.
Class M Flares: Very powerful solar storm. Class M flares have peak fluxes ranging from 10^-2 to 10^-1 watts per square meter. They can damage satellites and disrupt power grids.
Type X Flares: The most powerful type of solar flares. Class X flares have peak fluxes between 10^0 and 10^1 watts per square meter. They can cause major disruptions to power grids, communication networks and GPS systems.
In addition to these 5 main types of solar flares, there are also some rarer types of flares such as:
Gamma-ray solar flares: This is the most powerful type of solar flare. They emit gamma rays, the highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma-ray solar flares are extremely rare and they have only been observed a few times.
Proton solar storms: These flares emit large numbers of protons, which are positively charged particles. Proton solar flares can damage satellites and can also endanger the health of astronauts in space.
Coronal Mass Magnification (CME): CME is the ejection of large amounts of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun. CMEs can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth, which can disrupt power grids and communication networks.
How does solar flare affect Earth?
Solar storms can affect Earth in a number of ways. The most immediate effect is the release of high-energy particles into space. These particles can interact with Earth’s atmosphere, creating auroras, or Auroras. They can also damage satellites and disrupt communications networks.
Will solar storms affect us on Earth? Do they happen often? Can we predict them?
Find answers to these burning questions and more in the Sun Flares FAQ: https://t.co/h7qs65v8fb pic.twitter.com/uWM4vpkrKv
– NASA’s Sun and Space (@NASAsun)
June 30, 2023
In addition to the direct effects of solar storms, they can also indirectly affect the Earth by causing geomagnetic storms. Geomagnetic storms are caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field. They can cause power outages, disrupt communications networks and damage satellites.
The effects of solar flares on Earth can vary depending on the intensity of the flare. Weak flares can have only a minor effect, while strong flares can cause significant damage.
The August 7, 2023 solar flare is the X1.5 flare, the second most powerful type of solar flare. This fire caused radio loss on the daylight side of the Earth and could damage some satellites. However, there have been no reports of major damage or injuries caused by the explosion.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn