New Delhi: Recent observations by NASA have captured two massive explosions on the surface of the sun, unleashing powerful solar flares on Friday and Saturday. The Solar Dynamics Observatory, operated by NASA, carefully documented these solar eruptions, sending waves of electromagnetic energy towards Earth.
The solar flares peaked at 9:23 p.m. EDT on May 10 and 7:44 a.m. EDT on May 11, classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares, respectively. This cosmic event created a spectacle for skywatchers worldwide, as Earth prepared for the impact of these solar storms. Alerts were issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) headed towards our planet.
The aftermath of these solar storms led to stunning auroras appearing in the night sky, with vibrant colors of pink, green, and purple painting a celestial canvas. From northern Europe to Australia’s Tasmania, people were able to capture mesmerizing photos of this phenomena. Although visually captivating, solar storms bring potential risks to technological infrastructure, such as power grids, communication networks, and satellite operations.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and Starlink, acknowledged the challenges posed by the solar storm on satellite operations. Despite these concerns, Musk reassured that SpaceX’s satellites were well-prepared to handle the effects of the solar storm. The varying magnetic fields from geomagnetic storms have the potential to disrupt various systems on Earth and in orbit.
These recent solar events serve as a reminder of the sun’s ever-changing nature and the impact it can have on our planet. The documentation of these cosmic phenomena not only provides valuable insights for researchers but also sparks wonder and awe in skywatchers around the globe. As we continue to monitor the sun’s activity, it is crucial to be prepared for any potential disruptions that these solar flares may bring.