X-class flare erupts from the Sun and heads straight for Earth

 (The X1.6 class solar flare is pictured erupting in the middle of the sun – Photo Credit: NASA/SDO)

Another extreme solar storm is set to strike after an active sunspot five-times the diameter of Earth erupted with both an X 1.6 flare and a smaller coronal mass ejection. The explosive X 1.6 flare lasted longer than usual and sent out a significant burst of radiation into space, creating a geomagnetic storm that could affect radio communications and power systems in the next couple of days.

The Earth-facing part of the Sun, known as AR2158, first exploded on Tuesday, but it was followed by a more powerful eruption (classed as an X1.6 – the most intense class of solar flares) on Wednesday. Both flares expelled billions of tonnes of matter that left the Sun at speeds of more than 3,750km/s.

Radiation from these solar flares can’t penetrate our atmosphere and harm us, however strong storms can cause problems in power systems. The storm is currently moving towards Earth at a medium-to-fast rate of about 2.5 million mph (4.02 million kph), and when it arrives, it could affect satellite navigation and high-frequency radio broadcasts.

It will also have a significant impact on Earth’s magnetic field, therefore astronomers are expecting magnificent auroral displays in the upcoming days.

A video of the flare, captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, is available below.

[Video Credit: NASA/SDO]