Russian Scientists Warn of Strong Solar Flare Today

Russian scientists have revealed that strong solar activity is expected today, Monday, which may interfere with shortwave communications, following the observation of three flares on the sun yesterday, Sunday. The Fedorov Institute of Applied Geophysics in Moscow indicated that X-class flares (the largest flares) could occur, including proton flares, which are anticipated to lead to shortwave radio disruptions. X-class flares are the largest explosions in the solar system and can cause long-lasting radiation storms. Proton flares are storms of solar energetic particles, primarily composed of protons. Solar flares occur when magnetic field lines within and around the sun become intertwined. They can affect Earth's magnetic field, with the potential to damage satellites and communication equipment, according to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In 2022, a geomagnetic storm caused by a significant wave of radiation from the sun damaged 40 SpaceX satellites that had been launched shortly before. The Fedorov Institute reported that three solar flares were observed yesterday, one of which lasted for 14 minutes and was accompanied by radio communication disruptions.