An aggregate of sunspots known as AR3663 has given rise to two extremely energetic flares, which have already caused blackouts on Earth. Possible effects until May 7th. The main risk is coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and resulting strong geomagnetic storms on Earth.
Credit: SDO /AIA
Sunday May 5, 2024 two occurred very violent solar flares Of class, the most powerful ever in the scale of flares. On the Earth have already been registered blackout in the area directly exposed to spatial phenomenonbut experts expect possible consequences until May 7th, as indicated by the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The main risk is linked to one or more coronal mass ejections (CME) associated with eruptions on the Sun, capable of giving rise to significant geomagnetic storms. At the moment, no flows of electrically charged particles (plasma) directed towards our planet have been detected, but they cannot be completely ruled out in light of the limitations of coronagraphic analyses. Meanwhile Spaceweather.com reports that at 8pm Italian time on May 5th a geomagnetic storm of class G1 (the weakest) triggered spectacular polar auroras in Europe at mid-latitudes.
These phenomena are intimately connected to AR3663the most active aggregate of Sunspots currently present on the Sun. After appearing at the end of April it released over a dozen flares of M class and three of class X. There are four classes of flares (B, C, M and On 4 November 2003 the sensors detected the most powerful of all, an X 45 which was initially thought to be a “weaker” X 1.3 (at 08:01 Italian time) and one X 1.2 (at 1.54 pm), nevertheless the effects on Earth were not lacking. Radio blackouts at frequencies below 30 MHz (short waves) have been recorded by those who use them for communication, such as pilots, navigators and amateur radio operators.
Credit: Space Weather Prediction Center / NOAA
Spaceweather.com specifies that the AR3663 sunspot is characterized by a magnetic field “beta-gamma-delta”, a type that is particularly unstable and predisposed to the development of flares and coronal mass ejections. It is no coincidence that today, Monday May, a 90 percent probability of new class M solar flares and a 50 percent chance of class X are estimated.
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The danger of these phenomena is linked precisely to the release of solar wind highly energetic, capable of unleashing violent geomagnetic storms on Earth. One of class G5, the most powerful, would be capable of destroying power lines, internet lines and satellites, as well as significantly altering the behavior of animals. It is no coincidence that researchers believe that similar phenomena could send us back to a “technological Middle Ages” for some time. In this period similar events, although rare, They are more likely because the Sun is getting closer to the maximum peak of magnetic activityexpected between the end of 2024 and the summer of 2025. It is characterized by the appearance of large and numerous sunspots, in turn associated with CMEs with potentially devastating effects on the Earth.
