On June 8th, 2024, a powerful solar flare erupted from sunspot region AR3697, classified as an M9.7 flare (second strongest class). This event triggered the strongest radiation storm impacting Earth since 2017, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
Solar Flares and Radiation Storms
Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation originating from the Sun's surface, particularly around sunspots. These flares can trigger radiation storms – periods of enhanced radiation levels caused by charged particles blasted towards Earth.
Impact of the Recent Event
The M9.7 flare caused a radiation storm strong enough to potentially disrupt:
Spacecraft operations and satellites: Electronic systems on these can be impacted by the radiation.
Shortwave radio signals: Communication via shortwave radio might be affected.
Thankfully, the radiation from this event wasn't strong enough to directly impact people on Earth as it's absorbed by our atmosphere.
Increased Solar Activity
This event highlights a potential rise in solar activity as our Sun approaches Solar Maximum, a period of heightened solar flares and eruptions. Scientists are monitoring the Sun closely to understand and predict future events.
For further details, you can search for "Solar flare blasts out strongest radiation storm since 2017" on news websites or scientific sites like https://www.spaceweather.gov/.