China's National Center for Space Weather has announced that this week will see moderate to high levels of solar activity, including the possibility of more powerful solar flares.
On Monday at 2:35 p.m. Beijing Time, a strong solar flare classified as an X4.5 erupted from the sun, marking it on the higher end of the solar flare scale. ☀️🔥
Solar flares are sudden bursts of brightness in specific areas of the sun's atmosphere, rated from A to X based on their strength. While an X4.5 flare is powerful, Chen Anqin, chief forecaster at the space weather center, assured that its impact on Earth would be minimal, and the public doesn't need to worry or take special precautions.
“While these flares can carry a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation and high-energy particles, only a small portion actually reaches the Earth,” Chen explained. “Moreover, our planet is protected by its own magnetic field, which means that even strong flares have little impact on human health.” 🌍✨
Not dangerous but potentially disruptive
Solar flares can increase electromagnetic radiation and release particles that interact with Earth's ionosphere, potentially disrupting navigation and positioning systems, aviation communications, shortwave communications, and emergency networks. They may also pose risks to satellites and astronauts in orbit.
In response to such space weather events, China has established a comprehensive system that integrates monitoring and forecasting to provide pertinent services. According to Wang Jingsong, head of the center, the system can accurately predict and provide early warnings for significant space weather phenomena like geomagnetic storms.
The Chinese Space Weather Center also offers round-the-clock advisory services for global aviation, ensuring that potential disruptions can be managed effectively. 🛰️✈️
