China’s National Center for Space Weather has forecasted moderate to high levels of solar activity this week, including the potential for more powerful solar flares. On Monday at 2:35 p.m. Beijing Time, the sun emitted a strong solar flare classified as an X4.5, placing it among the most intense on the solar flare scale.
Solar flares are sudden bursts of brightness in localized areas of the sun’s atmosphere. They are categorized by strength levels, ranging from the weakest A-class, followed by B, C, M, and up to the strongest X-class flares.
Despite the intensity of the recent flare, Chen Anqin, chief forecaster at the National Center for Space Weather, assured that the impact on Earth would be minimal. “While these flares can carry significant electromagnetic radiation and high-energy particles, only a small portion actually reaches the Earth,” Chen explained. “Moreover, our planet is protected by its own magnetic field, which means that even strong flares have little impact on human health.”
Potential Disruptions to Technology
Although not dangerous to humans, solar flares can disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, potentially impacting navigation and positioning systems, aviation communications, shortwave communications, and other critical networks. They may also pose risks to satellites and astronauts in orbit.
In anticipation of such space weather events, China has developed a comprehensive monitoring and forecasting system. According to Wang Jingsong, head of the National Center for Space Weather, the system provides accurate predictions and early warnings for significant space weather phenomena such as geomagnetic storms. The center also offers round-the-clock space weather advisory services for global aviation to mitigate potential disruptions.
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Space weather expert: Solar flares will have little impact on China
cgtn.com
