Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare, most powerful for last six years

Monitoring services for solar activity have reported the strongest solar flare in the last six years. The event was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. The flare's intensity reached X2.8, corresponding to an extremely high level of intensity. Indirect data suggests that the flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection. It is anticipated that the solar plasma cloud will reach Earth from Saturday to Sunday.

According to the history of solar activity observations, the last time a flare of this magnitude was recorded was in 2017. Earlier this year, an X-class flare occurred in February, albeit slightly weaker at X2.2. The most powerful event since records began in 1976 happened in February 2003, registering at X28 in the X-ray spectrum.

Flares are sometimes accompanied by coronal mass ejections—clouds of plasma consisting of electrons and hydrogen ions. Under certain circumstances, these plasma clouds can intersect with Earth, causing mass and vibrant auroras in the planet's ionosphere. According to radar data, the X2.8 flare observed on Thursday around 8:00 PM Moscow time is accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, apparently moving toward our planet. If so, the plasma cloud is expected to reach our planet tomorrow and the day after. Radio communication disruptions have already been observed due to ionizing radiation entering Earth's atmosphere.

Over the next two years, the intensity and frequency of such events are expected to increase as we approach the peak of the 11-year solar activity cycle. Theoretically, this peak should occur closer to the summer of 2025, but observational data suggests that this time the peak might occur earlier—in the second half of 2024. 

What is a magnetic storm and how do they affect state of health?

Magnetic storms are caused by flares on the Sun that cause plasma to be ejected into space. This plasma flow reaches the Earth's surface and interacts with the magnetic field, causing magnetic storms.

During magnetic storms, people whose with weather addictions may experience stress, insomnia, unnecessary worry, irritability, and feelings of fear. Doctors recommend the following measures to reduce the impact of storms on state of health:

• Limit alcohol and salt intake,
• Avoid stress and annoying workload,
• Drink more water,
• Get enough sleep and avoid overexertion,
• Avoid hard-to-digest fatty foods and give preference to vegetables and fruits.

How do magnetic storms affect technology?

Magnetic storms can adversely affect the performance of equipment, especially those that depend on accurate data transmission and electromagnetic stability. Thus, storms can cause malfunctions in radar equipment and electrical equipment. In some cases, space satellites may be out of order, and problems with the communication network are also possible.