Sun erupts with 3 huge solar flares, increasing chances of northern lights across U.S.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Three solar flares erupted from the sun within a 24-hour period, heading toward Earth and potentially increasing the visibility of northern lights across the United States.
- These flares, classified as powerful X-class events, are expected to combine before reaching Earth, with the National Weather Service expressing confidence in their arrival.
- The intensity of the resulting geomagnetic storm is uncertain but predicted to be moderate to severe, possibly ranking between levels 3 and 4 on a 1-to-5 scale.
- Solar flares and associated geomagnetic storms can disrupt telecommunications, satellite operations, power grids, and navigation systems, while also posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
- NASA captured the peak of the strongest flare on Wednesday morning, highlighting its significant energy output and potential impacts on Earth's technology infrastructure.