Solar Flare Disrupts Radio Communications Across Americas
A powerful X1.1 solar flare has caused significant radio outages across North and South America, as captured by the GOES-16 satellite at approximately 11:20 a.m. EST on March 28. This event, originating from sunspot AR4046, marks the first X-class flare detected since early February. Reports indicate that the flare led to several hours of disrupted high-frequency radio communications in the affected regions.
Impact on Earth’s Radio Signals
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center reported that the solar flare created substantial interference with high-frequency radio signals. The intense burst of electromagnetic radiation ionized the lower ionosphere, resulting in a temporary loss of contact for radio operators. Areas directly facing the sun during the eruption experienced the most significant disruptions. NOAA classified this incident as an R3-level solar event, indicating strong degradation of radio signals across large portions of the sunlit hemisphere.
Coronal Mass Ejection Accompanies the Flare
In addition to the solar flare, NOAA confirmed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred simultaneously. A CME consists of plasma and magnetic field energy released from the sun’s surface. When these ejections interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic disturbances. Scientists are currently analyzing data to assess any potential impact on Earth. Preliminary evaluations suggest that this CME is unlikely to be directed toward our planet.
Future Solar Activity Anticipated
Solar physicist Ryan French noted on social media that sunspot AR4046 is set to rotate into a position facing Earth in the coming days. This positioning raises the possibility of future solar flares that could directly affect our planet. Additionally, another sunspot, AR4048, has been identified as a potential source of significant solar activity. Current reports indicate a 15 percent chance of another X-class solar flare occurring between March 31 and April 2, heightening the need for monitoring solar activity closely.
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