Sunspots, Solar Flares Our Sun is Very Active Right Now

On Easter, a short wave radio blackout was experienced in Asia and Australia caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) hitting Earth. CMEs are large clouds of energetic and highly magnetized plasma that erupt from a solar flare.

The said CME, was from a class X1.1 solar flare that lasted for 34 minutes that originated from the sunspots in regions 2993 and 2994. Solar flares are classified into five categories: Class A (weakest), B, C, M, and X (strongest).

Image from PAGASA

Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that more solar flares are expected soon.

Why is the Sun so active today?

According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) the sun is entering its solar maximum phase. This is the phase of the Sun where solar activity is highest and more sunspots appear on its surface — this current phase is called Solar Cycle 25.

In an article by Forbes, Scientists at National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) International Space Environmental Services (ISES) and NOAA said that the solar maximum will occur between November 2024 and March 2026, but may occur earlier by July 2025.

What does this mean for us?

While more solar flares are expected soon, it does not directly affect humans. Solar flares usually affect telecommunications, power grids, and GPS satellites.

Moreover, we are protected by our own planet’s magnetosphere created by its magnetic field, which repels incoming coronal mass ejection (CME). (ASC)