In one of the most crucial astronomical events of the year, the Sun produced a massive solar flare of the year 2024. According to NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, the solar flare was registered on February 9. It has been classified as an X 3.4-class explosion. This means that this is one of the most powerful solar storms that has been recorded in the recent past.
Solar flares, which are powerful burst of solar energy, can directly impact radio communications on Earth. A Hindustan Times report said that shortwave radio blackouts were reported from regions such as Africa, South America as well as Southern Atlantic.
The solar flare observed on Saturday marked the onset of the highest class, X, for the year. Researchers attribute its origin to the sunspot AR3575. However, due to the location of the explosion, partially obscured by the Sun’s edge, there exists a strong likelihood that its intensity surpasses the initial classification. Scientists indicate that AR3576 is the probable source, characterized by an unstable delta-class magnetic field and alignment towards Earth’s general direction.
