Intense solar flares predicted to hit Earth this weekend

Geomagnetic disturbances are anticipated on Earth between July 18-21 due to a series of events occurring on the Sun's surface. A massive coronal hole directly facing Earth has emitted hot gas into space, creating a high-speed stream known as a coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). This CH HSS is predicted to reach Earth on July. Following this, Earth will pass through material forcefully ejected into space by two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) accompanied by an X1.9 solar flare that were observed on July 16. This is prepared by SSP.

The Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted unsettled conditions as a result of these events. While a geomagnetic storm is not predicted to occur, the turbulent space weather will disturb Earth's geomagnetic field, although not to a significant extent that would cause concern or alarm. It should be noted that such occurrences are not uncommon.

Sun has continued to exhibit solar flares and coronal mass ejections. In the last 24 hours, three M-class flares, a filament eruption, and two CMEs have been detected. Although one of these CMEs may only have a glancing impact on Earth on  July 21, it is expected to amplify the geomagnetic disturbances. The SWPC is currently modeling and forecasting the second CME. The solar outbursts also led to temporary radio blackouts on the side of Earth illuminated by the Sun.

The sunspot cluster AR 3738, known for producing two X-class solar flares of the strongest category last week, is rotating out of view. However, there remains a slight possibility of intense flares occurring between July 18 and 20, which could potentially lead to solar radiation storms.

Earlier, SSP already wrote that mildly dangerous geomagnetic activity was expected this week after X class solar flare.