Big Bursts of Solar Drama

Our Sun has been in full production mode recently, launching a dazzling array of solar flares, radiation storms, and solar storms since February 4. With an impressive count of 25 M-class flares and one X-class flare, along with two radiation storms and countless solar storms, the Sun’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. While stunning, this heightened activity is par for the course as we approach solar maximum. We should expect more large sunspot clusters to rotate into Earth-view periodically, triggering big bursts of solar drama.

Despite the solar fireworks, the real-world impacts have been relatively contained, with intermittent radio blackouts on Earth’s dayside. In addition, minor radio communication and navigation disturbances at high latitudes have also been observed due to the radiation storms. Airline passengers should also take heed during these radiation storms, especially if they are at high risk during elevated radiation doses. Prenatal passengers, chemo and radiotherapy patients, and those with surgically embedded medical devices should discuss the risks with their doctors before taking long flights. Luckily, these radiation storms shall subside over the coming week.

While we’re beginning to ease off the flare activity now, several solar storms are still on their way to Earth, keeping anticipation high (see my forecast below). However, there’s a chance these storms will miss us, first to the south and then to the north, leaving us looking for aurora displays that may or may not materialize. (In fact, it looks like the first two of three expected storms are passing south of us right now as I write this letter.) Although I feel a bit sad for aurora photographers who are intently watching the skies, it’s a poignant reminder that not every solar drama translates into an Earth-bound spectacle, even when the Sun is in full production mode.

Cheers,
Tamitha

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