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| NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of a solar flare on Oct. 26, 2024, displaying bright flashes in three panes, each showcasing extreme ultraviolet light in teal, gold, and red to highlight the hot material in the flare. |
On October 26, 2024, at 3:19 a.m. ET, the Sun unleashed a powerful solar flare, peaking in intensity as recorded by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This event has been classified as an X1.8 class flare, indicating it is among the most potent solar flares observed.
Solar flares are explosive bursts of energy that can disrupt radio communications, affect electric power grids, and interfere with navigation signals. They also pose potential risks to spacecraft and astronauts in orbit.
For updates on the potential impact of this solar event on Earth, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center offers real-time forecasts and alerts. NASA continues to monitor the Sun’s activity through a dedicated fleet of spacecraft, studying solar phenomena and their effects on our planet’s space environment.