Space agency reported a flash that peaked at 17:34 Eastern Standard Time (EST) on February 22, 2024 (22:34 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)), classified as an event X6.3.
Solar flares are categorized into classes a, b, C, M, and X based on their intensity. Class C flares are ten times more powerful than class B, while class M flares are ten times stronger than class C. With class X flares being the most dangerous, this recent X6.3 flare ranked as the 27th most powerful in history, as per the list of historical solar flares.
Preceding the X6.3 event was a X1.8 flare on Wednesday and an X1.7 event on Thursday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cautioned that the X6.3 flare might cause signal disruption for high-frequency radio operators but assured the public of no significant threat.
Solar flares, particularly class X ones, release dangerous radiation and pose risks to astronauts on the International Space Station and the Chinese Tiangong orbital station. Despite potential threats, the recent solar activity did not disrupt mobile communications in the United States.
Though class X flares can impact radio communications and navigation, the real danger lies in coronal mass ejections that can trigger geomagnetic storms. The current X6.3 flare, however, did not accompany a significant mass ejection, reducing its direct impact on Earth’s technological systems.
These events occurred during the 25th solar cycle starting in 2019, expected to peak in 2025. While the X6.3 flare remains the strongest of the cycle so far, future solar activity may still produce larger events.