18/05/2024
The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on May 14, 2024, peaking at 12:51 p.m. ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X8.7. https://go.nasa.gov/4aipKPf
Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground. However — when intense enough — they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS & communications signals travel.
To see how such space weather may affect Earth, check out NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts.