Another X-Category Solar Flare Causes Radio Blackout On Earth: WATCH

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an X2.3 solar flare on November 6th, 2024, causing shortwave radio blackouts in the Atlantic Ocean and disrupting communications in South America and Africa.

The Solar Dynamics Observatory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Wednesday captured spectacular visuals of another X-category solar flare. X-class flares are the largest and most intense solar flares.

The solar flare activity peaked at 8:40 a.m. Eastern Time. The NASA classified the solar flare X2.3.

According to Space.Com, the R-3 level solar flare caused a shortwave radio blackout in different parts of the Atlantic Ocean in the southern hemisphere. The high-frequency radio signals suffered disruptions in South America and Africa.

Wednesday's solar flare was unlikely to be the last this week. NASA predicted more solar flares of level R1 and R2 (minor-moderate) this week. The sun could also emit R3 solar flares.

What Is A Solar Flare And What Is Its Impact On Earth?

Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. They have the potential to disrupt electric power grids, radio communications, navigation signals, and hence, can threaten the safety of spacecraft and astronauts. According to NASA, "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."