Mildly dangerous geomagnetic activity expected this week after X class solar flare

A series of solar flares has attracted the attention of scientists, leading them to predict a potential episode of geomagnetic activity later this week. With over 12 active sunspots continually releasing solar flares, the disruption in satellite communications is a possibility. The latest eruption to capture NASA's interest is the classified X1.2 solar flare which took place on July 13. This is prepare by SSP.

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an abundance of sunspot groups is visible on the solar disk, indicating that minor to moderate flares are likely to occur between July 15 and July 18. Among the 12 sunspot regions currently active on the sun, Region 3838 stood out as the source of the recent X1.2 classified flare. NOAA noted that this particular sunspot region is characterized as "magnetically complex." Images shared by NASA showcase the eruption of this region, reaching its peak on July 13 at 10:34 p.m. EST.

The ongoing solar cycle, referred to as Solar Cycle 25, commenced in December 2019 and is rapidly approaching solar maximum, a period known for heightened eruption activities. NASA stated that several strong solar flares have already occurred this year, underscoring the sun's increased activity as it journeyed through the peak of this active cycle.

Solar flares typically correlate with solar coronal mass ejections which transpire when plasma from the sun interacts with Earth's magnetic field, as described by NOAA. These interactions can result in geomagnetic storms of varying intensities, leading to breathtaking celestial phenomena such as the Northern Lights. Notably, on May 11 of this year, a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm was witnessed, allowing the Northern Lights to be visible as far south as Texas.

While the geomagnetic activity anticipated this week may not rival the extraordinary Northern Lights display witnessed in May, NOAA indicates that it could potentially disrupt satellite communications. It is crucial to monitor the situation closely as developments unfold in the coming days.