TORONTO – The sun has been very active the past few days.
On Friday, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) recorded two X-class solar flares.
Solar flares are measured by the amount of x-rays they emit. X flares are the strongest. If directed at Earth, these flares can disrupt communications systems and cause blackouts; they can even pose a danger to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The number refers to its strength: an X2, for example, is twice as strong as an X.
The first flare recorded Friday was an X1.7 that peaked at 4:01 a.m. EDT. The second occurred at 11:03 a.m. and was an X2.1.
Previous to these two eruptions, several less powerful M flares had erupted over the past few days.
The sun goes through cycles every 11 years: a solar minimum and a solar maximum. Right now the sun is in its period of solar maximum, which typically consists of increased activity. Such flares are not unusual during this period. However, during this latest cycle, the sun has been unusually quiet.
In March 1989, much of Quebec lost power for up to 12 hours after an X20 solar flare hit Earth.
On Nov. 4, 2003, a massive solar flare erupted. Initially, astronomers thought it to be an X28, however further research found that it was closer to an X45. Fortunately, it was not directed towards Earth.
The strongest flare ever reported is referred to as the Carrington Event. It occurred in 1859 and disrupted telegraph systems, shocking their operators. It is estimated that the event was three times as powerful as the one that occurred in 1989.
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