According to NASA, on March 4, a strong solar flare occurred on the Sun, the peak of which occurred at 07:52 Moscow time. Like the two previous outbursts, the new event was also the highest class X on the established scale for this kind of solar activity. In absolute terms, the flash intensity reached X2.1 or 2.1·10-4 W/m2. At this time, high-frequency radio interference was observed on the sunny side of the Earth.
Image Source: www.spaceweather.gov
As you know, the Sun is in the ascending interval of activity of the 11-year cycle. Judging by the flares already recorded, their intensity and the growing frequency of sunspots, the current peak may be higher than the previous one. This will happen by the end of 2024 or early 2025, and scientists are already expressing concern about the upcoming events.
The most severe outbreak recorded in history occurred in 1859. The geomagnetic storm it caused led to the interruption of telegraph communications throughout Europe and North America. The most high-tech sphere at that time was affected. Today, the consequences of a similar event would be much more serious, for example, for aircraft in the air.
The world is becoming increasingly dependent on space weather. This forces us to launch new and new programs to study the Sun and its environment. Thanks to this, we manage to admire the picturesque processes on the Sun and solar flares as the peaks of ongoing activity.
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