Captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, this image showcases a solar flare that occurred on July 2, 2023. The flare, visible as a bright flash in the top right area of the Sun, emits intense ultraviolet light colored in teal, revealing the extremely hot material associated with flares. (Credit: NASA/SD)
NASA/SDO
The Sun unleashed a powerful “X1-class” solar flare from Sunday through Monday, causing a 30-minute radio blackout in the Pacific Ocean and the western US, according to NASA. This phenomenon was also reported by Spaceweather.com.
Solar flares, which are bursts of energy associated with sunspots, are occurring in the 18th phase of Solar Cycle 25. This solar cycle began in 2019 and is expected to last until 2030. X-class flares, like the one observed, represent some of the most intense flares.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, devoted to studying the Sun, captured and imaged this particular solar flare originating from sunspot AR3354.
The Approach of Solar Maximum
This solar flare coincides with the Sun’s approach to solar maximum, a period of heightened solar activity that occurs every 9-14 years. Although initially predicted to happen in 2024 or 2025, some experts speculate that solar maximum might occur earlier, in 2023.
Mounting evidence, such as the observation of 163 sunspots in June 2023, the highest count since September 2002, supports the potential early arrival of solar maximum. The Royal Observatory of Belgium’s Solar Influences Data Analysis Center confirmed this information.
During solar maximum, the Sun generates more electrons and protons, resulting in more significant solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
This photograph captures the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, along the path of totality in Oregon.
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Cycling of Solar Activity
This recent solar flare follows a period of a notably low sunspot count in 2020, which occurred after the previous solar maximum in 2013/2014. That solar maximum was classified as the weakest on record.
Since 1838, sunspots have been meticulously counted, enabling scientists to identify patterns in the waxing and waning of solar activity. Some experts suggest that the current solar cycle could be the most robust cycle documented to date.
Regardless of its strength, the solar corona, which can only be observed during a total solar eclipse, promises to be a breathtaking sight during the next total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8, 2024.
May you enjoy clear skies and remain in awe of the universe.
