New X-class solar flare impacts Earth

The Sun generated a new intense class X solar flare this Tuesday. This is the fifth eruption of this level observed by NASA during the month of October.

This solar flare was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory on Tuesday, October 8. It appeared in the form of a luminous burst in the center of the solar disk. These phenomena occur when there is a sudden release of energy on the surface of the Sun.

Although eruptions can normally last from a few minutes to an hour, this one was rated X, one of the most intense categories. A common consequence is the disruption of the Earth’s electromagnetism, which can alter radio waves.

The solar storm began to have effects on Earth on Wednesday, October 9 morning. The induced geomagnetic conditions are expected to continue until October 10 or 11, notably favoring the observation of the Northern Lights at lower latitudes than usual.

Last May, some of the most significant magnetic storms in two decades caused the appearance of northern lights across the United States, Europe and Australia, according to the Independent. This increase in solar activities is explained by the proximity of the Sun to its maximum activity cycle of eleven years.