By- Shivanshi Srivastava
The sun has unleashed its most powerful solar flare since September 2017.
Solar flare with an X2.8-class eruption from Sunspot 3514 observed on Thursday, stirring up space weather concerns.
The event, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, marks the strongest flare of the current Solar Cycle 25 and has prompted a geomagnetic storm watch.
The situation may intensify to moderate G2 or even strong G3 storm levels by December 17 when the CME associated with the recent flare is expected to reach Earth.
The December 14 flare caused significant disruptions, including a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Americas.
The US Air Force reported a Type II solar radio burst soon after the explosion, indicative of a fast-moving CME.
Estimates suggest the CME's velocity could surpass 2100 km/s, emphasising the potential severity of the incoming space weather.
Images from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) have confirmed the presence of a lopsided halo CME.
Although not directly aimed at our planet, it appears to have components headed toward Earth, raising the likelihood of a glancing blow on December 17th.
As the solar activity continues to ramp up, reaching what is predicted to be a peak in July 2025, authorities remind the public to stay informed through reliable sources.