Solar Flare Causes Blackouts in the U.S.

SOURCE www.dailymail.co.uk
A powerful solar flare, classified as an X8.8, caused blackouts over the U.S. The flare, originating from sunspot AR 3664, is the strongest in the current solar cycle which began in 2017.

Key Points

  • Solar flare classified as X8.8 caused blackouts over the U.S.
  • The flare originated from sunspot AR 3664, comparable in size to the one that caused the 1859 Carrington event
  • NOAA predicted a 60% chance of disruptive particles reaching Earth
  • Geomagnetic storm watch issued for the first time in 20 years

Pros

  • Increased awareness of space weather and its impacts on Earth
  • Opportunity for research and development in space weather prediction and mitigation

Cons

  • Disruption of satellite communications and power grids
  • Potential radiation hazard for astronauts