Three large
solar flares over the last two days have released a huge cloud of
particles from the sun which could knock out satellites and
communication systems on Earth.
A
'coronal mass ejection' (CME), a huge cloud of irradiated particles and
a magnetic shockwave, could strike the planet on Friday, damaging
satellites and knocking out communications.
The
three solar flares already caused brief disruptions to high frequency
communications, such as radio broadcasts and aircraft communications,
when they struck yesterday and twice on Tuesday.
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The sun has emitted three intense solar flares
in just two days. Two on Tuesday (left and centre) and one on Wednesday
(right), disrupting military radio and aircraft communications
The
sun emitted two X-grade solar flares on Tuesday morning at 7.42am and
8.52am - X being the most powerful kind of solar flare - and a third
X-class flare early yesterday.
Solar
flares are largely harmless, as Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the
harmful particles they emit. However they can cause satellites to
malfunction, and disrupt the layer of atmosphere some communications
pass through, causing interruptions.
But
if the CME strikes, then the damage could be far more severe. CME's can
cause huge electrical surges, knocking out power grids and causing pylon
cables to overload and snap.
Events
on this scale are unlikely, as the NOAA says the CME due on Friday will
only strike a 'glancing blow', but satellites could be affected,
leading to a drop in mobile phone signal.
The last major CME to hit Earth came in 1859 when compasses were knocked out as Earth's magnetic field was disrupted.
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