This week, China's National Center for Space Weather is on high alert as it forecasts moderate to high levels of solar activity, including the possibility of powerful solar flares.
On Monday at 2:35 p.m. Beijing Time, the sun emitted a strong solar flare classified as an X4.5, placing it on the higher end of the solar flare scale. Solar flares are sudden bursts of brightness in specific areas of the sun’s atmosphere, and their strength ranges from A-class to X-class.
Minimal Earth Impact Assured
Despite the intensity of Monday's flare, Chen Anqin, chief forecaster at the space weather center, assured the public that the impact on Earth would be minimal. \"While these flares can carry a significant amount of electromagnetic radiation and high-energy particles, only a small portion actually reaches the Earth,\" Chen explained. \"Moreover, our planet is protected by its own magnetic field, which means that even strong flares have little impact on human health.\"
However, solar flares are not entirely without consequence. They can disrupt the Earth's ionosphere, potentially affecting navigation and positioning systems, aviation communications, shortwave communications, and other emergency communication networks. Additionally, there are risks to satellites and astronauts in orbit.
In response to these space weather events, China has developed a comprehensive monitoring and forecasting system. Wang Jingsong, head of the center, highlighted that the system is capable of accurately predicting significant space weather phenomena such as geomagnetic storms and providing early warnings.
The Chinese space weather center continues to offer round-the-clock advisory services to support global aviation operations, ensuring that any potential disruptions are managed effectively.
Reference(s):
Space weather expert: Solar flares will have little impact on China
cgtn.com
