The Strongest Solar Outbreak Recorded in the Past Six Years
December 14 at about 20:00 Moscow time at the Sun recorded the strongest outbreak over the past six years. Sunny physicists classify strong outbreaks into three categories: C – weak, M – middle, X – the most powerful. This flash was classified as X2.8 – this is the most powerful flash since September 2017.
Such powerful flashes are often accompanied by coronal mass emissions (CME) – massive streams of solar plasma. There is a chance that this outbreak was associated with this outbreak, which, apparently, is directed towards the Earth. According to Space, the CME speed may exceed 2100 km/s.
Despite the fact that the atmosphere of the Earth prevents the penetration of harmful radiation of solar flashes to the surface, the consequences can still be felt in the form of geomagnetic storms, violations of GPS signals and satellite communication, as well as radio interference. They are also able to strengthen the polar radiance, making them more vivid and extensive. According to Space, as a result of the outbreak there were interruptions in the work of short-wave radio stations over North and South America.
Taking into account the fact that the sun enters the more active phase of its 11-year cycle, an increase in solar activity is expected. According to the forecasts of the National Administration of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research of the United States, the peak of the 25th solar cycle will be for the period between the January and October of next year.