Sun Unleashes Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in Over 20 Years

The Sun has released its most powerful solar radiation storm in over two decades, according to space weather experts. The intense event reached Earth on Monday, causing bright auroras across parts of Europe and temporary GPS disruptions. Scientists classified the storm as severe, highlighting renewed concerns about solar activity and its impact on satellites, aviation, and space missions.

Why in News?

Scientists confirmed that the Sun triggered a Level-4 solar radiation storm, the strongest seen since October 2003. The storm caused vivid auroras in Europe and raised alerts for satellites, aviation, astronauts, and power infrastructure.

About Solar Radiation Storm

• A solar radiation storm occurs when the Sun releases highly energetic charged particles that travel rapidly toward Earth.
• These particles are usually produced during powerful solar flares and can reach Earth within hours.
• Such storms can interfere with satellite electronics, disrupt radio and GPS signals, and increase radiation exposure for astronauts and high-altitude flights.
• The last storm of similar intensity occurred during the Halloween solar storms of 2003, which caused power outages and infrastructure damage.

Cause of the Current Solar Storm

• The storm was triggered by an X-class solar flare, the most intense category of solar flares.
• This flare launched a coronal mass ejection (CME) a massive cloud of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
• When Earth-directed, CMEs disturb Earth’s magnetic field and create geomagnetic storms. Scientists noted that this was the first major solar flare of the year, signalling increasing solar activity.
• The orientation of the CME’s magnetic field influenced how strongly Earth was affected, determining where auroras appeared and how much energy entered the atmosphere.

Impact on Earth and Technology

• The solar radiation storm posed increased risks to satellites, aviation, and astronauts.
• Astronauts aboard the International Space Station faced higher radiation exposure and followed safety protocols by moving to shielded areas.
• Airlines operating polar routes were alerted due to potential radiation exposure and GPS interference.
• Satellite operators took precautionary measures to protect communication and navigation systems.
• However, experts said widespread disruptions for the general public were unlikely, as power grids and satellite systems were largely prepared to manage such events.

Auroras Across Europe, Limited in the US

• One visible effect of the storm was the appearance of bright auroras, also known as the northern and southern lights.
• Energetic particles from the CME interacted with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays.
• While forecasters initially expected auroras to be visible across much of the northern United States, the magnetic orientation of the storm limited visibility there.
• Instead, spectacular auroras were observed across Europe, including France, Germany, Austria, and other regions, delighting skywatchers and photographers.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Which type of solar flare triggered the recent severe solar radiation storm?

A. B-class flare
B. C-class flare
C. M-class flare
D. X-class flare