The Solar Dynamics Observatory of the U.S. space agency NASA recorded a solar flare that is the strongest since 2017. This massive energy explosion was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, which is a large explosion of solar plasma, according to Mashable. The estimated speed of this coronal ejection is believed to exceed 2,100 kilometers per second.
The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on December 14, 2023, peaking at 12:02 ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X2.8.
While Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation, coronal mass ejections can cause geomagnetic storms that may disrupt GPS systems and communication satellites. The Sun is currently experiencing what is known as "hurricane season," a weather cycle for our planet's star that lasts 11 years. The current solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25, is expected to peak between January and October of next year, as predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
