Posted 2/24/2024, 1:27:00 PM
Powerful Solar Flare Erupts, But Spares Earth Disruption
- A powerful solar flare erupted on Feb 23 but did not disrupt cell networks or cause auroras on Earth
- Solar flares release bursts of X-ray energy that can briefly impact some radio communications
- Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) often accompany flares and cause geomagnetic storms and auroras
- This flare was not accompanied by a CME aimed at Earth, explaining the lack of disruption
- Solar cycles last ~11 years and produce an average of 174 strong R3 flares, so they are fairly common