Russian scientists from the Fedorov Institute of Applied Geophysics in Moscow have issued a warning about the possibility of massive solar flares hitting Earth on Monday. These flares are a result of turbulent disturbances on the Sun’s hot surface, with temperatures reaching 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The scientists reported that “Class X flares are possible, including proton flares,” which could seriously disrupt satellite communications. They also mentioned that “short-wave radio conditions are expected to deteriorate” due to these solar flares.
X-class flares, which are the largest bursts in the solar system, have the potential to produce long-lasting radiation storms. A proton flare, on the other hand, is an energetic solar particle storm primarily composed of protons. Both types of flares can harm satellites, communication technology, and even impact Earth’s magnetic field.
In the past, solar flares have caused disruptions to satellite communications and technology. For instance, Elon Musk’s SpaceX lost 40 satellites in 2022 due to a geomagnetic storm triggered by a powerful solar flare.
Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Centre reported a “strong radio blackout” in some regions of the US, resulting from one of the solar flares observed on Sunday. This particular flare came from a large and complex region known as sunspot group 3354.
As solar flares have the potential to cause significant disruptions, it’s important for satellite operators and communication technology providers to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their systems during such events.