NASA Captured A Strong X-class Solar Flare Causing Radio Blackouts Worldwide

15th Jul 2024
NASA Captured A Strong X-class Solar Flare Causing Radio Blackouts Worldwide

On Saturday night, 13 July, at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 UT on 14 July), NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured a powerful X-class solar flare from sunspot AR3738. The flare triggered radio blackouts over Australia, Southeast Asia and Japan.

Any Geomagnetic Storm Or Aurora?

The flare was brief and did not result in a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a large expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun. It hasn’t caused a geomagnetic storm either. Thus, no auroras graced the sky. But it still was classified as an X-flare, the strongest type of solar flare that exists.

Heavy Radio Blackouts

Shortwave radio blackouts across Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan
Shortwave radio blackouts across Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan. Image credit: NOAA/SWPC

However, soon after it erupted, the flare caused shortwave radio blackouts in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan. Also, a deep shortwave radio blackout happened over western parts of the U.S. and the Pacific Ocean and lasted around 30 minutes. These blackouts often happen after strong solar flares because they release intense X-rays and ultraviolet radiation.

Solar physicist Keith Strong shared amazing footage of the flare on X.

Strong also mentioned on X that June 2023 recorded the highest monthly average for sunspot numbers in 21 years. This points to a significant increase in solar activity.

Sunspots dotting the face of the sun on 3 July 2023, as imaged by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. Image credit: NASA/SDO

Why Do Radio Erruptions Happen?

Radiation from solar flares reaches Earth at the speed of light and electrically charges the upper atmosphere upon arrival. This charging creates a denser environment for high-frequency shortwave radio signals, which are used for long-distance communication. As these radio waves interact with the charged particles, they lose energy due to more frequent collisions, which can weaken or entirely absorb the radio signals.

What To Expect?

Scientists predict that there could be more X-class flares in the coming days, raising the potential for further radio blackouts and even geomagnetic storms.

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