The C9.4 solar flare of long duration was ejected from the core of AR 2824, generating a proton radiation storm. The flare was associated with a type II radio emission with an estimated speed of 2,087 km/s and a type IV ejection, indicating a large eruption and a strong ejection.
Although the location of this region is not conducive to Earth-directed emissions, part of the cloud could be directed in our direction.
In addition, an eruption occurring on the western limb of the Sun could cause a proton radiation storm. An explosion causes protons around the Sun to accelerate to nearly the speed of light, carrying with them a dangerous amount of energy. Powerful proton storms can cause extensive damage to space and ground-based equipment.
Earth’s atmosphere normally protects humans from proton storms, but proton storms can interfere with radio communications, damage satellites, short-circuit electrical systems, and disable computers.
Fortunately, the flare produced only S1, a small proton storm that occurs about 50 times per solar cycle. The storm began at 03:00 UTC, peaked at 03:20 at 15pfu, and ended at 05:40 UTC.
This was the first S1 radiation storm in the 25th solar cycle.
“Solar cycle 25 starts off with a bang! We have an S1 radiation storm! This means that GPS reception at high latitudes and radio communications will be degraded over the next 48-72 hours. High altitude flights in high latitudes now also have increased space radiation exposure. Passengers, please pay attention,” space meteorologists say
