Solar flares hit Earth and generate "radio blackout" in Europe and Africa

Last Friday, the 26th, there was another series of sun flares in the great star that sustains the universe. This phenomenon was noticed after a dazzling show of green-hued auroras crossed the atmosphere a few days ago, as well as a brief radio blackout in Europe and Africa.

Read more: Sunspot almost triples the size of Earth in 24 hours

How do solar flares occur?

The explosions that occur on the Sun's surface are generated by the rapid and unexpected release of stored energy from magnetic fields in its atmosphere, and can last for a few minutes or hours.

An image by STEVE of British Columbia in Canada. The aerial phenomenon appeared in the sky over southern Canada as a result of a massive and unexpected solar storm that hit Earth on August 7.

These explosions that happen on the Sun release energies of up to 1025 joules (equivalent to 12 million volcanic eruptions on Earth). They occur in magnetically active regions of the Sun, where the magnetic fields are quite strong.

Sunspot AR3089 causes solar flares

the news agency SpaceWeather.com reported that sunspot AR3089 is crackling with a series of moderate, M-class solar flares that are intensifying over time.

This episode was only noticed a few days after astronomers noticed green auroras crossing the atmosphere. At 7:16 am EDT (1116 GMT), NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a particularly powerful explosion as populations in Europe and Africa experienced a brief radio blackout.

New release of charged particles from the sun may occur

In addition, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that a massive release of plasma known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) or solar magnetic storm, could hit Earth on Aug. August.

This massive burst of charged solar particles could trigger auroras around the Polar Circle. Arctic (these bright lights occur when charged particles interact with the magnetic field of the Earth).

The danger of these occurrences

Most space weather provides a spectacular display for those on or near Earth. However, a small number of really powerful storms have the potential to damage satellites, power lines and other vital life support systems that our world depends on.

The Sun is most prone to this when it reaches its maximum level of activity because solar flares spread across the surface and magnetic field lines twist and break. If a storm heads toward Earth, it can produce auroras, blackouts, and other effects.