X 36w1c Class Solar Flare From Sunspot 3912 Causes Radio Blackouts in Southern Africa

An X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot 3912, disrupting radio signals in southern Africa and triggering a minor geomagnetic forecast. 2p5710

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 12 December 2024 16:00 IST

X-Class Solar Flare From Sunspot 3912 Causes Radio Blackouts in Southern Africa

Photo Credit: NASA,NOAA 3u5454

Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation originating from the Sun.

Highlights

X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot 3912 on December 8
Radio blackouts affected southern Africa during the flare’s peak
Minor geomagnetic disturbances expected by December 11

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A massive X-class NOAA). The solar event, accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), caused radio blackouts in southern Africa, where the region was exposed to the Sun at the time. Experts suggest the CME may graze Earth, resulting in minor geomagnetic disturbances.

Radio Blackouts Observed Across Southern Africa 4e6k2v

The intense flare ionised Earth's upper atmosphere, impacting high-frequency radio communications. According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the ionisation led to increased atmospheric density, absorbing radio signals and weakening long-distance communication. Southern Africa experienced notable disruptions, as it was under direct sunlight during the flare's peak.

Expert Insight on Solar Impact 6u3l3u

Space Weather Physicist Dr Tamitha Skov stated on social media platform X that Earth is likely to experience limited effects from the CME. She explained in a statement that the solar storm launched will graze Earth to the west. Fast solar wind streams might deflect the structure even further west, resulting in mild impacts by midday on December 11.

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Understanding Solar Flares and Their Effects 45701t

Solar flares are intense bursts of solar cycle, raising the likelihood of future similar events.

While Earth remains largely unaffected by this flare, experts emphasise the importance of monitoring solar activity to mitigate potential risks to technological infrastructure.

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