NASA says the sun just unleased a massive solar flare

The Sun has unleashed a potent solar flare, NASA experts have announced. The event, designated X2.3, belongs to the most intense 'X' class of solar flares, which are an intense burst of radiation, or light, on the Sun.

Solar flares are the most powerful explosions in the solar system — the biggest ones can have as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs, according to NASA. The cosmic event was spotted by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which constantly observes the surface of the Sun.

Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. Solar flares are giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light and high speed particles into space. These flares are often associated with solar magnetic storms known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

READ MORE: NASA hears from spacecraft 15 billion miles from Earth on radio not used since 1981

The number of solar flares increases approximately every 11 years, and the sun is currently moving towards another solar maximum. That means more flares will be coming, some small and some big enough to send their radiation all the way to Earth.

This flare is classified as an X2.3 class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.

It is intense enough to potentially disrupt radio signals, navigation systems, and power grids on Earth. It also poses significant risks to astronauts and spacecraft operating in orbit.

In a blog post Nasa said: "The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 8:40 a.m. ET on Nov. 6, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event.

"Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

"This flare is classified as an X2.3 class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength."

The Met Office's Space Weather page states: "Moderate to High solar activity is forecast to continue with occasional Moderate flares expected and a chance of isolated Strong flares. These most likely from the two large regions currently in the southeast quadrant of the disc."

The sun has now entered its period of greatest activity. It typically follows an 11-year-cycle, with periods of intense activity followed by a quiet phase.

During its active bursts, also known as solar maximum, the sun releases charged particles that travel through space at speeds of around one million miles per hour.

Some of the particles are captured by the Earth’s magnetic field and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in the atmosphere.

These atoms and molecules then shed the energy they gained from the collision, emitting light at various wavelengths to create colourful displays in the night sky.