A recent solar flare, categorized as an X1.4-class, one of the most intense types of solar flares, erupted from the sunspot previously responsible for the dazzling northern lights observed on May 10. This powerful solar eruption took place on May 29 and resulted in radio blackouts affecting both the United States and Western Europe.
The sunspot, identified as AR3697, was previously known as AR3664. During its prior active phase, it was approximately 15 times the size of Earth and produced a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs collided with Earth’s magnetic field, generating a geomagnetic storm that ignited auroras visible across all 50 U.S. states and even in Mexico.
The HUGE sunspot that caused the last solar storm, and made its way back around to face Earth, just produced an X1.4-class solar flare. Waiting data to see if earth directed. pic.twitter.com/58VJXSL1VS
— EveryManPrepping (@EveryManPrepper) May 29, 2024
Having rotated out of view for several weeks, the sunspot has now returned, albeit slightly smaller. Despite its reduced size, it continues to emit flares and additional CMEs. Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov reported via social media that this region produced a long-duration X1.45 flare and an almost Earth-directed solar storm, suggesting potential minor impacts from the storm’s shockwave in the following days, along with significant disruptions to daytime radio communications.
Solar flares are classified into categories from A to X based on their intensity, with X-class being the most potent and each class being ten times more powerful than the one before it. Solar flares predominantly occur in large and complex sunspots due to the abrupt release of magnetic energy accumulated in the solar atmosphere. The scale of this released magnetic energy determines the strength of the solar flare, explains Rami Qahwaji, a visual computing professor and space weather researcher.
EARTH-DIRECTED X-FLARE AND CME: Old Sunspot AR3664 isn't as big as it used to be, but it is still very active. On May 29th (1437 UT), it produced an X1.4-class solar flare. pic.twitter.com/ifWuKdWuo8
— Betsey Foss Lewis (@BetseyFossLewis) May 30, 2024
The primary effect of solar flares is the disruption of radio communications. This occurs because flares increase the ionization levels in the Earth’s ionosphere, a layer crucial for reflecting radio waves back to Earth. This increased ionization leads to the absorption of radio waves, particularly in the high-frequency (HF) bands, which are vital for long-distance communications.
The emissions from a solar flare, which include X-rays and ultraviolet radiation, ionize the ionosphere and cause absorption of radio waves, particularly impacting communications within the HF band (3 to 30 MHz).
Beyond radio blackouts, solar flares can negatively impact technology and human activities in various ways. They can damage or disrupt satellites’ electronics and sensors due to increased radiation, and the heating and expansion of the Earth’s upper atmosphere can alter satellite orbits, necessitating adjustments. Increased radiation levels also pose health risks to flight crews and astronauts, and can interfere with GPS accuracy, potentially leading to navigational errors.
Coinciding with the flare, a CME was also ejected from the sunspot and is currently en route to Earth. According to forecasts from the Space Weather Prediction Center, this CME is expected to impact Earth between May 31 and June 1, potentially triggering a G2 geomagnetic storm. This storm could make auroras visible further south than typical, though not as far south as the G5 storm observed earlier in May. There is an anticipation of possible aurora visibility over some northern and upper Midwest states, extending from New York to Idaho.
Major Points
- A powerful X1.4-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR3697 (formerly AR3664) on May 29, causing radio blackouts in the U.S. and Western Europe.
- This same sunspot had previously triggered widespread auroras across all U.S. states and Mexico in early May due to its massive coronal mass ejections.
- After a period out of view, the sunspot has returned, albeit smaller, continuing to emit flares and CMEs.
- The recent flare and associated CME are expected to impact Earth, potentially causing minor geomagnetic storms and further auroras visible in northern U.S. states.
- Solar flares disrupt radio communications by increasing ionization in the Earth’s ionosphere, and can also affect satellite operations, flight crew safety, and GPS navigation.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
