Title: Intense Solar Flare Triggers Radiation Storm on Earth
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In an exciting astronomical event, Insider Wales Sport has learned that a powerful X-class solar flare was detected on Friday, resulting in a solar radiation storm reaching our planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported that a moderate solar radiation storm, classified as level S2, was currently underway.
Solar flares are categorized based on their strength, with X-class flares being the most intense. The SWPC explained that solar radiation storms occur when charged particles are accelerated near the Sun and reach Earth at over 10 times their normal levels. The storm initially began as an S1 event on Friday, but it was projected to reach its peak as an S2 event on Saturday morning, meaning that energetic particles would be 100 times more abundant than usual.
While these powerful solar flares have the potential to cause high-frequency radio blackouts in polar regions and pose risks to space launches and spacecraft, the general public is not at risk. This is due to the energetic particles not penetrating deep enough into Earth’s atmosphere to cause harm.
However, users of HF radio signals on the sunlit side of the planet may have experienced blackouts during the peak of the X-class flare. These blackouts would have been temporary and likely ceased once the flare subsided.
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) succeeded in capturing the intense solar flare responsible for the radiation storm. Classified as an X3.3 flare, its strength emphasizes the magnitude of the event. Throughout the week, the SDO recorded the occurrence of 20 M-class flares (the second-most-intense class) and four C-class flares.
Solar flares are typically found in active regions of the Sun, particularly associated with sunspot groups. In anticipation of Solar Cycle 25’s solar maximum, NASA expects an increase in sunspots. As evidence, in January alone, SWPC data counted over 120 sunspots on the Sun.
As the solar radiation storm continues, scientists and space enthusiasts alike eagerly stay attuned to further developments. Insider Wales Sport will bring you the latest updates on this fascinating cosmic phenomenon. Stay tuned!
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