Three strong flares have occurred on the Sun, even more powerful ones are expected

Science 17 Jul 2023, 10:15 4 109

Three powerful flashes occurred on the Sun on July 16, one of them was accompanied by a radio communication violation, according to the website of the Institute of Applied Geophysics named after Academician E. K. Fedorov.

"At 11.26 Moscow time, an M1.1 flash lasting 14 minutes was registered in the X-ray range in the group of spots 3372 (N21E30). The outbreak was accompanied by a violation of HF radio communications," the publication says.

In total, scientists divide solar flares into five classes depending on the power of X-ray radiation: A, B, C, M, X. The minimum class A has a radiation power in Earth orbit of 10 Nano watts per square meter. Each next class is 10 times more powerful.

According to the space weather forecast for July 17, "Class X flares, including proton flares, are possible." The deterioration of HF radio communication conditions is also expected.

Solar flares can cause magnetic storms on Earth, which in turn lead to failures in the operation of power systems, and also affect the migration routes of birds and animals. In addition, severe storms cause disruption of shortwave communications and navigation systems, as well as voltage drops in industrial networks.