In a significant celestial event, the Sun has unleashed a formidable storm of energized particles, marking the strongest flare observed in the current solar cycle. The eruption, categorized as an X8.7 flare, surpasses the intensity of previous solar activity and is poised to impact Earth in the coming days. Originating from an active sunspot designated as AR3664, the flare’s trajectory towards our planet raises concerns of potential radio blackouts, particularly in regions like the United States.
According to reports from Live Science, the sunspot responsible for the flare is situated at the outermost edge of the visible side of the Sun. The impending storm, anticipated to reach Earth soon, is expected to cause disruptions in radio communications, affecting various terrestrial systems.
Despite the formidable nature of the solar flare, authorities at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have clarified that the event is unlikely to trigger geomagnetic storms or aurora activity on Earth’s atmosphere.
The sunspot AR3664 has been exhibiting heightened activity in recent days, with a series of solar flares emanating from its vicinity. Notably, on May 10, an X5.8-class flare was recorded, followed by three X-class flares on Tuesday, including the massive X8.7 flare—the most powerful observed during the current 11-year solar cycle that commenced in December 2019.
