Strongest solar flare from Sun to hit Earth today, geomagnetic storms likely

As the world welcomed the new year, the sun unleashed one of the strongest flares of the current solar cycle, an X5-class solar flare on New Year's Eve, which is set to graze Earth on Tuesday.

A close encounter with the resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) from the flare is likely today, which is expected to slam our planet's magnetic field. While grazing impacts typically have minimal effects, there is speculation that this event could be an exception.

The CME, a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space, was propelled by the intense solar flare. Such events can lead to geomagnetic storms upon reaching Earth, which in turn can disrupt power grids, satellite operations, and radio communications.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G1-class geomagnetic storm watch, indicating the potential for minor disruptions and vibrant auroras, particularly in high-latitude regions.

On January 1, a precursor to the anticipated storm was observed as a crack formed in Earth's magnetic shield. This breach allowed solar winds to stream into our atmosphere, fueling the first auroras of the year.

These natural light displays, while beautiful, serve as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes volatile nature of our sun-Earth relationship.

The current solar activity aligns with predictions that the sun will continue to be particularly active as it progresses through its 11-year cycle. With solar maximum approaching, more flares, CMEs, and subsequent geomagnetic storms are expected throughout the year.

Continuous monitoring and advanced modeling are essential for providing timely alerts about potential impacts on our technological infrastructure.

While the full impact of today's CME remains to be seen, experts urge preparedness for possible minor disruptions.