A powerful solar flare has caused radio blackouts across North America and is expected to impact Earth on June 18.
On June 15, an M8.46-class solar flare erupted from the sun at 2:25 PM EDT (1825 GMT), nearly reaching the X-class status, which is the highest level for solar flares. This eruption originated from an active sunspot facing Earth, which has already produced several M-class and C-class flares within the past 24 hours. The June 15 event also released a coronal mass ejection (CME), a significant expulsion of solar plasma and magnetic field.
According to forecasts from Spaceweather.com, the CME is on a trajectory that could deliver a glancing blow to Earth on June 18. Should this occur, it might result in minor geomagnetic disturbances, categorized as G1-class storms, which could potentially create visible auroras as far south as northern Michigan and Maine.
Solar flare radiation travels at the speed of light, reaching Earth in just over eight minutes. Upon arrival, it ionizes the upper atmosphere, particularly the thermosphere, leading to disruptions in shortwave radio communications on the sunlit side of the planet. During the M8.46 flare, North America was directly facing the sun, making it particularly susceptible to communications interference.
The sunspot responsible for the June 15 flare remains highly active. On June 16, it produced another significant flare, rated as an M6.4-class event at 5:30 AM EDT (0930 GMT). Forecasters are closely monitoring this area for further solar activity as it continues to be directed towards Earth.
Solar flares are categorized into five primary classes based on their intensity: X, M, C, B, and A, with X-class flares being the most powerful. M-class flares are about ten times less intense. The M8.46 flare is among the stronger flares observed recently, approaching the threshold of X-class status.
There is a continued potential for more CMEs and associated geomagnetic storms, especially as solar activity heightens near the solar maximum. Ongoing monitoring is essential for both aviation and communications sectors.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/solar-flare-causes-radio-blackouts-in-north-america-earth-may-face-impact-from-solar-ejection-on-june-18/
