NASA WARNING! Strongest Solar Flares in years may cause blackouts on Earth | Photos

NASA WARNING! Strongest Solar Flares in years may cause blackouts on Earth

Wednesday witnessed the strongest solar flares detected from the sun in years. The solar flares volleyed particles which are causing blackouts in Australia, Western Pacific and Eastern Asia. The solar flares might have additional effects as well. Read on to find out more.

By: SHAURYA TOMER
| Updated on: Apr 22 2022, 11:14 IST
Solar Flare
Strongest solar flares in years were detected by Astronomer Dr. Tony Phillips. He wrote on spaceweather.com, "The fusillade is likely to continue as colossal sunspot complex AR2993-94 turns toward Earth in the days ahead," Dr Phillips said. Spaceweather.com tracks and keeps a check on solar activity, and Dr. Phillips predicted more solar activity this week. (NASA)
1/5 Strongest solar flares in years were detected by Astronomer Dr. Tony Phillips. He wrote on spaceweather.com, "The fusillade is likely to continue as colossal sunspot complex AR2993-94 turns toward Earth in the days ahead," Dr Phillips said. Spaceweather.com tracks and keeps a check on solar activity, and Dr. Phillips predicted more solar activity this week. (NASA)
Northern Lights
Solar flares will likely cause the phenomenon of Northern Lights as solar radiation hits the Earth’s atmosphere. The solar flare was seen through images from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory that showed the eruption occurred at 11:57 p.m. EST on Tuesday. (AFP)
2/5 Solar flares will likely cause the phenomenon of Northern Lights as solar radiation hits the Earth’s atmosphere. The solar flare was seen through images from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory that showed the eruption occurred at 11:57 p.m. EST on Tuesday. (AFP)
Solar flare
Solar flares are made up of hot material called Plasma from the Sun’s outer layer. According to Dr. Phillips, Solar Flares are ranked by letter, with the biggest labelled as "X-class." The smallest flares are "A-class." The solar flare detected was X2.2, the highest rated flare seen in years. (Pixabay)
3/5 Solar flares are made up of hot material called Plasma from the Sun’s outer layer. According to Dr. Phillips, Solar Flares are ranked by letter, with the biggest labelled as "X-class." The smallest flares are "A-class." The solar flare detected was X2.2, the highest rated flare seen in years. (Pixabay)
Solar prominence
The solar flares are emitted as part of the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years. As this cycle goes on, solar eruptions become more extreme. Since the Sun is at the middle of the solar cycle, these events are expected to peak by 2025. (NASA)
4/5 The solar flares are emitted as part of the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years. As this cycle goes on, solar eruptions become more extreme. Since the Sun is at the middle of the solar cycle, these events are expected to peak by 2025. (NASA)
Solar Orbiter
Solar flares will be watched carefully by NASA’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft as it is aimed to fly within 26 million miles of the sun. Another effect on Earth from solar flares is that they generally cause radio blackouts as happened recently in a territory as large as Asia and Australia. (NASA)
5/5 Solar flares will be watched carefully by NASA’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft as it is aimed to fly within 26 million miles of the sun. Another effect on Earth from solar flares is that they generally cause radio blackouts as happened recently in a territory as large as Asia and Australia. (NASA)
First Published Date: 22 Apr, 11:14 IST
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