The Sun has experienced a major flare: what will be the consequences for Earth?
On the morning of May 8, a major solar flare occurred.
In this regard, magnetic storms of level G2-G3 are expected over the weekend.
This was reported by MIA "Russia Today" with reference to the head of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergei Bogachev.
What is known about the powerful solar flare
As the scientist said, a large solar mass ejection towards the Earth was recorded this morning.
According to Bogachev, the plasma cloud was formed by a high-level flare (X1), which occurred on the Sun at approximately 8 a.m. Moscow time.
Observations from space coronagraphs confirm that the ejecta is moving towards Earth.
According to preliminary data, solar masses will reach Earth on Saturday.
The preliminary forecast for the strength of magnetic storms for the weekend could be G2-G3, the scientist said.
Solar flares can cause magnetic storms on Earth, affecting the migration routes of animals and birds and causing disruptions in power systems.
Strong magnetic storms disrupt shortwave communications and navigation systems and cause voltage surges in industrial networks.
Scientists have noted that the increase in the frequency and power of solar flares indicates that the Sun is gradually approaching peak activity.
According to some forecasts, it will occur in the middle of this year, according to others – next year.
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