Massive X2.8 Solar Flare Erupts from the Sun, Could Make Northern Lights Visible in New England
BOSTON – Just after noon Thursday, a massive solar flare erupted on the surface of the sun. This flare was classified as an X2.8.
Flares are classified by their strength and range from B class (weakest) to C, M and X (strongest). Each step up in letter classification comes with a 10 fold increase in energy. Also, within each letter, the scale is further broken down into numbers from 1 to 9 … 1 being the weakest in the class and 9 the strongest. X class flares can actually go higher than 9 but this is a very rare occurrence.
Could this solar flare make the northern lights visible?
The sun’s activity is currently in Solar Cycle 25, a period of solar maximum. Solar flares and eruptions can lead to the northern lights, especially if a coronal mass ejection (CME) is directed towards Earth. The ejections travel very quickly and can reach Earth in just a few days. So far, we have had mostly weaker M-class ejections, which have led to spotty viewings of the northern lights in parts of the northern United States.
Thursday’s flare was the strongest of this current solar cycle and likely the most powerful since 2017. Scientists are working to determine the size, scope, and heading of the coronal mass ejection, but there is a very good chance that a few days from now, there may be a dramatic increase in activity of the aurora borealis, perhaps even as far south as New England.
This flare was likely not strong enough to cause any major disruption to radio communications, power grids, or spacecraft, but a lot is still being determined. Stay tuned for updates as more information comes in.