NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recently captured two strong solar flares from the Sun. The first flare peaked at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2024, followed by the second at 1:32 a.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024.
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy that can have significant impacts on various technologies and systems. They can disrupt radio communications, affect electric power grids, interfere with navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
The first flare, classified as an X1.8 flare, was followed by the second flare, classified as an X1.7 flare. X-class flares are the most intense, and the numbers provide additional information about their strength.
To understand the potential effects of such space weather on Earth, it is advisable to visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center at spaceweather.gov. This website serves as the official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts.
NASA plays a crucial role in monitoring space weather and its impacts. The agency constantly observes the Sun and our space environment using a fleet of spacecraft. These spacecraft study various aspects, including the Sun's activity, the solar atmosphere, and the particles and magnetic fields surrounding Earth.
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