In the early hours of Monday, a significant solar event unfolded as sun spot AR3559 erupted, emitting a powerful M6.8-class solar flare.
The extreme ultraviolet flash was captured by Nasa’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, providing a stark visual of the sun’s volatile behaviour.
The impact of this solar flare has been immediate and multifaceted. One of the most noticeable effects was a shortwave radio blackout that swept over Australia.
This connection may seem surprising, but it can be understood through the concept known as “the Parker Spiral.” This model explains how the sun’s magnetic field extends into space in a spiral pattern due to the solar rotation, acting as a highway for charged particles.
Protons energised by the flare are now traveling along this spiral path toward Earth. As a result, scientists anticipate the onset of an S1-class radiation storm or stronger within the coming hours. Such storms pose risks to astronauts and satellites in orbit, as they can lead to increased radiation exposure and potential damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
The occurrence of this solar flare aligns with the current trend of increasing solar activity. As we approach the predicted solar maximum in 2025, part of the 11-year solar cycle, events like these are expected to become more frequent.
While solar flares and associated phenomena such as coronal mass ejections can lead to stunning auroras and other visual spectacles, they also remind us of the need for vigilance in monitoring space weather and its potential impacts on technology and human activities both in space and on Earth.
