Coronal Mass Ejection Linked to X-Class Solar Flare to Reach Earth Today

A coronal mass ejection (CME) linked to an X-class solar flare will impact Earth on August 18. This is prepared by SSP.

On August 14, an X1.11 solar flare erupted on the Sun, releasing intense energy. The burst of light from this event reached Earth in just eight minutes and 20 seconds. An X-class flare is considered the most powerful type of solar flare. This particular flare was directed toward India, resulting in a significant radio blackout across the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, China, Russia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. This flare was accompanied by a CME.

In a coronal mass ejection, material is rapidly expelled from the Sun's atmosphere into space. Unlike light, this hot gas travels much slower and takes several days to arrive on Earth. The CME linked to the X1.11 solar flare is predicted to reach our planet, triggering a minor geomagnetic storm on August 18. Its powerful and erratic nature has the potential to interfere with a steady high-speed stream originating from a coronal hole.

Geomagnetic Storm Forecasted for August 18

The CME carries part of the Sun’s magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic disturbances on Earth. Energetic particles are guided by Earth’s magnetic field to polar regions, resulting in stunning displays of auroras. Additionally, the heating effect inflates the atmosphere, similar to a hot air balloon, which increases drag on satellites and lowers their altitudes. Furthermore, currents induced along long conductors—such as power distribution grids, oil pipelines, and copper lines—can lead to voltage fluctuations, false alarms, and equipment damage.

Geomagnetic storms pose risks to energy distribution, communications, and navigation systems relied upon by modern civilization. The Solar Influences Data Analysis Centre (SIDC) at the Royal Observatory of Belgium has noted that "the solar wind is expected to become perturbed late on August 18 due to the anticipated arrival of an ICME," meaning Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection. Moreover, the Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated, "Periods of active conditions are likely later on August 17 due to continued CH HSS influences and the forecasted arrival of a CME from August 14. Active levels and G1 (Minor) storm periods are likely on August 18 due to CME influences."