On Tuesday, June 20, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) recorded a breathtaking display of solar activity as the Sun unleashed an X-flare, the most powerful type of solar radiation outburst.

As reported by Space.com, the event occurred at 1:09 p.m. EDT (1709 GMT) and was captured in stunning detail by the observatory.

What Are Solar Flares?

Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation emitted by the Sun.

While dangerous radiation from a flare is unable to impact humans on the ground, it may interfere with the atmosphere in the layer through which GPS and communications signals travel.

This disruption can potentially impact satellite communications and GPS systems.

Implications of the Recent X-Flare

The recent X-flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), a massive cloud of superheated plasma ejected from the Sun into space.

This particular CME was not directed toward Earth and will not generate any dazzling auroral displays here. SpaceWeather.com, citing a NASA model, confirmed that Earth is not in the strike zone.

However, the CME may produce a captivating light show on Mars in the coming days. Mars' orbiters, such as NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN), might observe the phenomenon as the solar plasma interacts with the Martian atmosphere.

This could result in the formation of auroras, offering a mesmerizing spectacle for scientific study and exploration.

Furthermore, the velocity of the expanding CME exceeded 1000 km/s (2.2 million mph), as indicated by Type II radio bursts detected by the US Air Force.

Spaceweather.com notes that this swift-moving CME is anticipated to deliver a potent blow to any celestial bodies it encounters.

While Earth is unlikely to be directly impacted by this CME, there is a possibility of a glancing blow on June 22nd or 23rd.

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Observing Sunspots

The Sun is currently approaching the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, with numerous sunspots clustering on its surface.

These sunspots, areas of increased magnetic activity, serve as launchpads for solar flares and CMEs.

While such eruptions are typically harmless to humans, they are closely monitored by NASA and other agencies to protect critical infrastructure such as power lines and satellites.

Recent Sun Flare Caused Radio Blackout

The X1.0-class solar flare on June 20 was a special event, captured in an image by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

The flare's radiation ionized the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a deep shortwave radio blackout over North America for approximately 45 minutes.

This radio blackout was noticeable to aviators and ham radio operators, who experienced a signal loss at frequencies below 30 MHz.

These extraordinary events provide scientists with invaluable opportunities to study the Sun's behavior, its influence on space weather, and its potential effects on our technological infrastructure.

By closely monitoring solar activity, NASA and other space agencies can advance our understanding of these phenomena.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

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