Fast-growing sunspot could hurl out M-class solar flares directed at Earth, reveals NASA

The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has revealed that strong M-class solar flares could be hurled toward Earth by a sunspot. Know all about it.

The Earth is now witnessing non-stop solar activity as the Sun is entering its final ascent to the peak of its solar cycle. On the weekend, we witnessed a powerful solar storm event, with intensity reaching G2-class. Now, another threat is looming in the form of a sunspot. According to the NASA Solar Dynamis Observatory (SDO), the sunspot region AR3529 has been growing rapidly. As a result, the unstable beta-gamma radiation in the region has reached a critical point. It is expected that the sunspot can explode soon, erupting M-class solar flares. (Pixabay)

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1/5 The Earth is now witnessing non-stop solar activity as the Sun is entering its final ascent to the peak of its solar cycle. On the weekend, we witnessed a powerful solar storm event, with intensity reaching G2-class. Now, another threat is looming in the form of a sunspot. According to the NASA Solar Dynamis Observatory (SDO), the sunspot region AR3529 has been growing rapidly. As a result, the unstable beta-gamma radiation in the region has reached a critical point. It is expected that the sunspot can explode soon, erupting M-class solar flares. (Pixabay)

According to a report by SpaceWeather.com, “Now turning to face Earth, sunspot AR3529 is growing rapidly (movie), and it has a 'beta-gamma' magnetic field that poses a threat for strong M-class solar flares. Geoeffective explosions are likely this week”. The problem can worsen if these flares also release coronal mass ejections (CME) directed toward the Earth that can further trigger solar storms. (Pixabay)

2/5 According to a report by SpaceWeather.com, “Now turning to face Earth, sunspot AR3529 is growing rapidly (movie), and it has a 'beta-gamma' magnetic field that poses a threat for strong M-class solar flares. Geoeffective explosions are likely this week”. The problem can worsen if these flares also release coronal mass ejections (CME) directed toward the Earth that can further trigger solar storms. (Pixabay)

For the unaware, solar flares are classified according to their strength on the logarithmic scale, similar to how earthquakes are measured. The smallest ones are A-class which occur at near background levels, followed by B, C, and M, while X-rated flares are the strongest. Similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes, each letter represents a 10-fold increase in energy output. Within each letter class, there is a finer scale from 1 to 9. (NASA SDO)

3/5 For the unaware, solar flares are classified according to their strength on the logarithmic scale, similar to how earthquakes are measured. The smallest ones are A-class which occur at near background levels, followed by B, C, and M, while X-rated flares are the strongest. Similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes, each letter represents a 10-fold increase in energy output. Within each letter class, there is a finer scale from 1 to 9. (NASA SDO)

While the presence of a sunspot does not automatically guarantee solar activity, it is likely that such regions contain opposing magnetic fields, as they often trigger solar flares. Once a solar flare erupts in Earth's direction, the massive ultraviolet radiation can often cause radio blackouts on Earth, limiting short-range wireless communications. (Pixabay)

4/5 While the presence of a sunspot does not automatically guarantee solar activity, it is likely that such regions contain opposing magnetic fields, as they often trigger solar flares. Once a solar flare erupts in Earth's direction, the massive ultraviolet radiation can often cause radio blackouts on Earth, limiting short-range wireless communications. (Pixabay)

The main challenge comes from any CME clouds that are geoeffective as they can trigger powerful solar storms. In worst-case scenarios, such solar storms can not only damage satellites and disrupt wireless communications such as internet services, mobile networks, and GPS, but they can also cause power grid failures and even disrupt electronics such as heart pacemakers on Earth. (Unsplash)

5/5 The main challenge comes from any CME clouds that are geoeffective as they can trigger powerful solar storms. In worst-case scenarios, such solar storms can not only damage satellites and disrupt wireless communications such as internet services, mobile networks, and GPS, but they can also cause power grid failures and even disrupt electronics such as heart pacemakers on Earth. (Unsplash)