Powerful solar flare is headed towards Earth, Nasa says
NASA has confirmed that a powerful solar flare, classified as an X7.1 event, erupted from the Sun on October 1, 2024. This intense flare is among the most significant of the current solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2019. The flare temporarily caused radio blackouts in parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, by ionizing the Earth's upper atmosphere. More importantly, it unleashed a coronal mass ejection (CME) that is expected to collide with Earth between October 4 and October 6, 2024.
The impact of this CME could trigger geomagnetic storms, which may cause disruptions to satellite communications, power grids, and navigation systems. These storms can also produce vivid auroras at unusually low latitudes, potentially visible across regions far from the poles. While scientists initially predicted a quieter solar maximum, the Sun's activity has exceeded expectations, with 2024 already seeing numerous powerful solar flares.
To monitor potential impacts or view auroras, space weather apps or websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center can provide updates(
