The Sun continues to be talked about. At 05:14 this morning, Italian time, a new X1.5 class flare was detected, an event that exceeds the X1.1 class event recorded yesterday in intensity. X-class flares are the most powerful on the scale used by experts and can generate significant impacts on our planet, particularly on radio communications and satellite networks.
The new event, originated from Active Region 3936was accompanied by two coronal mass ejections (CMEs), as highlighted by images from the LASCO satellite. Early analysis indicates that at least one of these ejections could be headed towards Earth, with a possible arrival scheduled for December 31. We are therefore talking about geomagnetic storms capable of influencing not only technological systems, but also our atmosphere.
How solar flares affect our planet
But what are the concrete risks for the Earth? First, during events of this magnitude, low-frequency radio waves (used, for example, for long-distance communications) could be degraded or interrupted, as already observed today over areas of the Indian Ocean, China and the Southeast Asian.
Furthermore, the coronal mass ejections they can interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, generating spectacular auroras at high latitudes but also significant problems, such as faults in satellites, interruptions in GPS networks and possible disruption to electrical infrastructures. Experts from NOAA and other agencies are monitoring the situation to provide timely updates.
The active region 3936 and the forecast for the next few days
The solar region 3936, responsible for the flare, has a particularly unstable magnetic configuration (known as beta-delta), which makes it capable of generating further X-class events. However, as it rotates towards the western edge of the Sun, its direct influence on Earth may decrease.
Current data indicates that solar activity will remain high over the next few days, with a probability of 70-75% M-class flares (moderate) and del 20-25% X-class flares (serious). The forecast for December 31, however, indicates relatively calm geomagnetic conditions, barring surprises resulting from the impact of the CME.
Not just risks: an opportunity to observe the Northern Lights
While these solar events may be a cause for concern for Earth’s technology, they offer a breathtaking natural spectacle for those living in the polar regions. The interaction between solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic field could give rise to Northern and Southern Lights particularly intense, visible even at lower latitudes than usual.
