Guam News Factor: Sun Unleashes Quadruple Solar Flares
On April 23, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a rare event as the sun produced four solar flares in near-perfect harmony. These explosions, known as solar flares, are powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation on the sun’s surface.
What made this event even more unique was that the eruptions came from four different regions on the sun that were linked by magnetic loops in the sun’s atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as “sympathetic solar flares,” is already quite rare, but today’s event was even more extraordinary as it was labeled a “super-sympathetic” eruption.
With this super-sympathetic eruption, there is a possibility of an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). CMEs are massive releases of plasma and magnetic field from the sun that can impact Earth by causing disruptions to power grids, telecommunication networks, and satellites. They can also trigger aurora displays visible at latitudes beyond their normal range.
In the past 24 hours, multiple CMEs have erupted from the sun, potentially leading to a minor-class geomagnetic storm by April 25 or 26. Scientists believe that this quadruple blast may indicate that we are nearing solar maximum, the peak of solar activity in the sun’s 11-year cycle, or possibly entering the decay phase.
As researchers continue to monitor the sun’s activity, it is crucial for us to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts from these solar flares and CMEs. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story on Guam News Factor.
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