Huge X-class solar flare may have sent CMEs to Earth

This week has been particularly intense with the sun emitting powerful solar flares, including an X1.3-class flare on Thursday, September 12. The eruption, originating from an unnumbered sunspot, occurred at 5:43 AM EDT (9:43 UTC). X-class flares, the strongest of their kind, can cause disruptions to radio communications, especially in sunny areas. In this case, the flare affected high-frequency radio bands in Africa, Europe and parts of Asia, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported.

Chance of geomagnetic storm and aurora borealis

Following the X1.3-class flare, a geomagnetic storm occurred on September 12, 2024, rated G3 on a five-level scale by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. This storm was the result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by a solar flare earlier in the week on September 10. As a CME travels through space, it carries with it plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona.

When they reach Earth, they can trigger geomagnetic storms and enhance the auroras in the Northern Hemisphere. Some areas in the western U.S. reported visible auroras following the storm. In addition to the X-class event, other M-class solar flares were observed earlier in the week from sunspots AR 3811 and AR 3814.

Another geomagnetic storm expected

According to According to NOAA, auroral watchers will have another chance on Friday, September 13, 2024, when another geomagnetic storm is expected. This storm is caused by a CME that erupted earlier this week. Because CMEs take a few days to reach Earth, the geomagnetic storm could lead to even more vivid auroral displays in parts of the U.S., especially at higher latitudes. Scientists at NOAA will continue to closely monitor solar activity to predict potential impacts on Earth’s magnetic field.

Keep an eye on the skies this weekend, as parts of the US may see the Northern Lights due to increased solar activity.