X3.3 Solar Flare Triggers Radio Blackout and Solar Storm: Are Northern Lights Ahead?

24th Oct 2024
X3.3 Solar Flare Triggers Radio Blackout and Solar Storm: Are Northern Lights Ahead?

On 24 October, at 03:57 UTC, a strong X3.3 solar flare erupted from the Sun’s southeastern limb. This event triggered an R3 (Strong) radio blackout, impacting communication in numerous areas. A solar storm from it also raised expectations for the Northern Lights shortly.

X3.3 Solar Flare Caused by AR 3869 Sunspot

This recent solar flare links to a reemerging sunspot, now designated as AR 3869. AR 3869 is a remnant of the previous sunspot regions 3842 and 3844. Previously, sunspot AR 3842 generated an X9 solar flare on 3rd October and an X7 flare on 1st October.

Solar Flare
Credit: SolarHam

Radio Blackouts: Should We Be Concerned?

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, this flare is part of a rare category of solar eruptions, typically lasting minutes to hours. The resulting radio blackouts led to temporary disruption or loss of high-frequency (HF) radio signals across much of the sunlit side of Earth.

Strong R3 radio blackout in progress
Strong R3 radio blackout in progress. Credit: SpaceWeatherLive

“Users of high-frequency (HF) radio signals may experience temporary degradation or complete loss of signal on much of the sunlit side of Earth,” NOAA stated on X. However, there is no cause for concern for the general public, NOAA added.

Northern Lights May Occur Soon

As expected, the solar flare was followed by a rapid coronal mass ejection (CME), known as a solar storm, which is now heading toward space. CMEs can result in disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere and may trigger displays of the Northern Lights in the coming days. However, space weather agencies are expected to provide more precise forecasts regarding the locations and intensity of the auroras soon.

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