Unprecedented solar eruption causes temporary blackout of earth's radio signals

Published December 18th, 2023 - 11:53 GMT
solar eruption
Betelgeuse star against starry sky artistic vision (Suuterstock)

ALBAWABA - NASA has reported a colossal solar flare, the most robust in the past six years, leading to a momentary disruption of radio signals on Earth. The Solar Dynamics Observatory, under NASA's wing, captured this extraordinary event on December 15.

The explosion originated in the northwest region of the Sun's surface, emitting intense ultraviolet light and energy, as confirmed by observatory authorities.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasized in its statement that the flare resulted in a substantial burst, affecting frequencies extensive enough to impact even higher frequencies. Communication glitches were reported by numerous pilots, and the nationwide repercussions of the solar flare were evident.

Shawn Dahl, spokesperson for NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), revealed that the flare's intensity temporarily disabled radio communication. Dahl suggested that this solar event could potentially trigger a geomagnetic storm, adversely affecting high-frequency radio signals and even catalyzing the formation of northern lights in the days to come.

With scientists closely monitoring sunspots for potential plasma bursts reaching Earth, predictions indicate that activities in these solar regions are anticipated to peak in 2025. This heightened vigilance is aimed at preparing for potential plasma bursts that might affect Earth.

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