The Sun Emitted a Strong X1.7 Solar Flare on August 5, 2024.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash on the right — on Aug. 5, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light, colorized in teal, highlighting the extremely hot material in flares.

At 9:40 a.m. ET today, the Sun unleashed a powerful solar flare, peaking with an intensity classified as X1.7. This event was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which monitors the Sun continuously.

Solar flares like this one release bursts of energy that can impact various technologies on Earth. Effects may include disruptions to radio communications, interference with electric power grids, navigation signal degradation, and potential risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

Understanding the potential impact of such space weather phenomena is crucial. The U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts is NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. For more information on how this solar flare could affect Earth, visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

NASA plays a vital role in space weather research and monitoring. The agency maintains a fleet of spacecraft dedicated to observing the Sun and our space environment. These spacecraft study various aspects of solar activity, the solar atmosphere, and the particles and magnetic fields surrounding Earth.

Stay informed and prepared for potential space weather impacts by visiting the Space Weather Prediction Center’s website.

Source: NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center