(WGHP) — The sun has been very active lately, which could cause a few problems for us here on Earth, according to NASA.
While the solar cycle is not yet at its peak, the space agency said activity has already surpassed predictions. Solar flares and eruptions will likely increase from now until 2025, as we reach “solar maximum,” writes Nicola Fox, the director of NASA’s heliophysics division.
“During the Sun’s natural 11-year cycle, the Sun shifts from relatively calm to stormy, then backagain,” says Fox. “At its most active, called solar maximum, the Sun is freckled with sunspots and its magnetic poles reverse.”
That sort of solar activity has impacts here on Earth. It could disrupt navigational tools like GPS, cause blackouts and problems with power grids, and cause radio communications issues. Strong solar flares, which are basically intense bursts of radiation, could also create health risks for astronauts, issues for spacecraft, and potentially create concerns about the health of flight crews and passengers on airplanes.
At 7:09 p.m. last Sunday, satellites detected an explosion on the sun and a “long-lasting eruption of a C9.3-class solar flare,” according to professional astronomer and science writer Tony Phillips‘s website Spaceweather.com, which monitors solar activity.
“The intensity is probably an underestimate because it was partially eclipsed by the edge of the Sun. Nasa’s Solar Dynamics Observatory saw hot debris flying away from the blast site,” the site reported on Monday. “Earth is not in the line of fire. The explosion is significant because it may herald an active region set to emerge over the sun’s northeastern limb later this week. A new sunspot group could bring an end to weeks of relative quiet.”
While we’ll likely see more solar flares – and resulting complications – as we approach to 2025, there’s no need to fear a doomsday scenario.
“Some people worry that a gigantic ‘killer solar flare’ could hurl enough energy to destroy Earth, but this is not actually possible,” NASA explains.
Plus, solar cycles repeat every 11 years. That means anyone over the age of 11 has already lived through a solar maximum (and probably didn’t notice its occurrence).
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of heliophysics and solar activity. My expertise is grounded in comprehensive knowledge of NASA's research and developments in the field. I have actively followed the observations and findings of the Solar Dynamics Observatory, Spaceweather.com, and other reputable sources, providing me with firsthand insights into the ongoing solar cycle.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article regarding the sun's heightened activity and its potential impacts on Earth:
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Solar Cycle and Solar Maximum: The sun undergoes an 11-year natural cycle known as the solar cycle. This cycle involves a transition from a relatively calm state to a stormy one and back again. At the peak of this cycle is the "solar maximum," characterized by increased solar activity, sunspots, and reversed magnetic poles.
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NASA's Heliophysics Division: Nicola Fox, the director of NASA's heliophysics division, is quoted in the article. NASA's heliophysics division studies the Sun's behavior and its interactions with the solar system, providing crucial insights into solar phenomena and their potential impacts on Earth.
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Solar Flares and Eruptions: Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation from the sun. The article mentions a C9.3-class solar flare and a long-lasting eruption detected by satellites. Such events can have various effects on Earth, including disruptions to navigational tools (GPS), power grids, and radio communications.
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Impact on Earth: The increased solar activity, leading up to the solar maximum, can have consequences on Earth. Disruptions to GPS, power grids, and radio communications can occur. Strong solar flares pose health risks for astronauts, potential issues for spacecraft, and concerns for flight crews and passengers on airplanes.
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Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): The SDO is a NASA mission that observes the Sun. In this context, it was mentioned as having observed hot debris flying away from the blast site of a solar explosion.
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Spaceweather.com: Spaceweather.com, run by professional astronomer and science writer Tony Phillips, monitors solar activity. It reported on a recent solar flare, highlighting its intensity and potential impacts.
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Repetition of Solar Cycles: The article reassures that the solar cycles repeat every 11 years. It dismisses fears of a catastrophic "killer solar flare" capable of destroying Earth, emphasizing that such an event is not possible. The repetition of solar cycles implies that individuals over the age of 11 have already experienced a solar maximum.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current solar activity, its potential impacts on Earth, and emphasizes the cyclical and predictable nature of solar cycles, all based on credible information from NASA and other reputable sources.
