Satellites operated by NOAA observed a significant solar flare originating from the sun’s bottom on Thursday, March 28. The flare was spotted at 4:56 p.m. ET.
Characteristics of the Solar Flare
The solar flare was classified as an X1.1 flare, indicating its high intensity. X-class flares are the most potent explosions the sun can generate, according to NASA.
Impact on Earth’s Atmosphere
The flare was powerful enough to ionize a portion of Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
Description of Coronal Mass Ejection
The solar flare was accompanied by a significant release of plasma known as a coronal mass ejection (CME).
Concerns about Impact
Initially, there were concerns that the CME might collide with Earth, potentially causing geomagnetic storms with adverse effects on satellites and communication infrastructure.
Outcome: Missed Collision with Earth
However, on Friday, March 29, NOAA announced that the CME was likely to miss Earth, alleviating concerns about its impact.
Definition and Cause
Solar flares are massive explosions occurring on the sun’s surface due to the sudden snapping of twisted magnetic field lines.
Recent Solar Events
This solar flare follows a double X-class flare observed on Monday, March 25, which triggered a powerful geomagnetic storm on Earth.
Solar Maximum Prediction
The recent surge in solar activity, including the occurrence of multiple X-class flares, suggests that the sun might have entered its peak activity phase, known as solar maximum.
Comparison with Previous Years
In 2024, seven X-class flares have already been recorded, indicating a higher frequency compared to 2023.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
- What agency detected the massive solar flare on March 28?
- A) NASA
- B) NOAA
- C) ESA
- D) ISRO
- Answer: B) NOAA
- What classification was assigned to the solar flare?
- A) M1.1
- B) X1.1
- C) C1.1
- D) S1.1
- Answer: B) X1.1
- What impact did the solar flare have on Earth’s atmosphere?
- A) It caused a heatwave.
- B) It triggered auroras.
- C) It ionized a portion of the atmosphere, resulting in a radio blackout.
- D) It caused earthquakes.
- Answer: C) It ionized a portion of the atmosphere, resulting in a radio blackout.
- What is the term used for the massive release of plasma accompanying the solar flare?
- A) Solar wave
- B) Coronal mass ejection (CME)
- C) Solar tsunami
- D) Solar burst
- Answer: B) Coronal mass ejection (CME)
- What phase of solar activity does the recent surge in solar flares suggest?
- A) Solar minimum
- B) Solar maximum
- C) Solar equinox
- D) Solar decline
- Answer: B) Solar maximum