Today morning, Friday 10 May 2024, at 09.15 local time, the sunspot region 3664 generated an intense solar flare classified as X3.98. This phenomenon ranks among the most significant events observed in our solar system, characterized by its power and rarity.
Sunspots, temporary areas on the sun’s surface characterized by intense magnetic activity, are often the site of solar flare origins. An X-class flare is considered one of the strongest and can have significant effects on the Earth’s ionosphere, affecting radio communications and GPS systems. The X3.98 solar flare is particularly notable not only for its intensity but also for its ability to affect the space environment surrounding Earth.
Solar flares of this scale are relatively rare and can only occur during periods of high solar activity, such as the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle. To provide context, the Sun goes through regular cycles of activity that vary from minima, with few sunspots and less activity, to maxima, during which solar flares and coronal mass emissions become more frequent and intense
The probable consequences
The consequences of an X3.98-class solar flare can be significant for both Earth and surrounding space, given the powerful emissions of radiation and energetic particles. Here are some possible impacts:
- Radio communications disturbances: The radiation emitted can ionize the Earth’s atmosphere, interfering with low and medium frequency radio waves used for radio communications and television broadcasts.
- Interruption of GPS and satellite systems: Intense solar activity can disturb GPS signals, making navigation and positioning less reliable. Satellites can suffer permanent or temporary damage, which affects various services, such as telecommunications and weather forecasting.
- Health risks for astronauts: Astronauts in space are particularly vulnerable to increased radiation caused by a solar flare of this intensity. Without the protection offered by the Earth’s atmosphere, they may be exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.
- Aurora intensified: Charged particles ejected during a solar flare can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, generating spectacular auroras (such as the Northern Lights) further south than usual.
- Geomagnetic currents: These events can induce electrical currents on the ground that can damage power grids and pipelines, risking large-scale blackouts and outages.
Events such as the solar flare from sunspot region 3664 are being closely monitored by astronomers and scientists to better understand the dynamics of the sun and to prepare for possible technological impacts. The scientific community continues to observe these active regions to predict and mitigate the effects of future solar flares.
G4 class geomagnetic storm warning in progress
Meanwhile, today, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported an alert regarding a phenomenon known as a “cannibalistic CME,” a type of solar storm that forms when faster-moving clouds of solar plasma engulf the previous ones slower. For the first time since 2005, a G4 storm warning has been declared, indicating the possibility of serious interference with power grids and satellite navigation systems such as GPS. The peak could arrive by tomorrow, Saturday 11 May 2024.
The raising of the alert to the G4 level was determined by the activity of the large sunspot AR3664, which emitted multiple coronal mass emissions (CME) directed towards Earth. An X2.2-class solar flare was recently detected, intensifying concerns about possible electronic and communications disturbances.
Sunspot AR3664 reached a size comparable to that of the Carrington Event of 1859, the most powerful solar storm recorded, which caused widespread damage to telegraphy networks. Despite its impressive size, specialists believe that the effects of the current solar storm will not reach those of the Carrington Event. However, increased solar activity could offer the possibility of observing the Northern Lights in several regions of North America and has already caused radio blackouts in Europe, including Italy.
