A magnetic storm may begin on Earth after a powerful solar flare. Scientists have reported a plasma cloud ejected after an X1.4 class flare. Details were revealed in the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAN and ISZF SO RAN.
According to astronomers, the plasma cloud is likely to hit the planet on the edge, triggering mid-level magnetic storms. At the same time, depending on the angle of propagation of the plasma, disturbances are possible up to the G4 level.
The main event of the past day was the first highest-level flare on the Sun since February 4, accompanied by a large and high-speed plasma ejection.
American experts from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, in turn, predict that on April 1, geomagnetic disturbances on Earth may reach the G2 level, that is, a moderate magnetic storm. At the same time, experts also allow short-term local increases to the G3 level — a strong storm.
The solar flares themselves are divided into five classes depending on the power of X-ray radiation: A, B, C, M and X. The minimum class A0.0 corresponds to a radiation power in Earth orbit of 10 nanowatts per square meter. When moving to each next letter, the power increases by a factor of 10.
