Current:Home > NewsSun shoots out biggest solar flare in nearly a decade, but Earth should be safe this time -Wealth Evolution Experts
Sun shoots out biggest solar flare in nearly a decade, but Earth should be safe this time
View
Date:2025-04-12 19:29:13
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The sun produced its biggest flare in nearly a decade Tuesday, just days after severe solar storms pummeled Earth and created dazzling northern lights in unaccustomed places.
“Not done yet!” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced in an update.
It’s the biggest flare of this 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its peak, according to NOAA. The good news is that Earth should be out of the line of fire this time because the flare erupted on a part of the sun moving away from Earth.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the bright flash of the X-ray flare. It was the strongest since 2005, rated on the scale for these flares as X8.7.
Bryan Brasher at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado said it may turn out to have been even stronger when scientists gather data from other sources.
It follows nearly a week of flares and mass ejections of coronal plasma that threatened to disrupt power and communications on Earth and in orbit.
NASA said the weekend geomagnetic storm caused one of its environmental satellites to rotate unexpectedly because of reduced altitude from the space weather, and go into a protective hibernation known as safe mode. And at the International Space Station, the seven astronauts were advised to stay in areas with strong radiation shielding. The crew was never in any danger, according to NASA.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
veryGood! (298)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Vermont prosecutor facing impeachment investigation for harassment allegations says he will resign
- Louisiana fights wildfires, as extreme heat and dry weather plague the state
- PeaceHealth to shutter only hospital in Eugene, Oregon; nurse’s union calls it ‘disastrous’
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Andy Cohen Admits He Was So Nervous to Kiss Hot Jennifer Lawrence on Watch What Happens Live
- 3-year-old girl is shot through wall by murder suspect firing at officers, police say
- 3 best ways to invest for retirement
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Former police chief who once led Gilgo Beach probe charged with soliciting sex from undercover ranger at Long Island park
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Bans on diverse board books? Young kids need to see their families represented, experts say
- Mar-a-Lago IT worker was told he won't face charges in special counsel probe
- Lack of DNA samples hinders effort to identify Maui wildfire victims as over 1,000 remain missing
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Gwyneth Paltrow’s Body Double Says She Developed Eating Disorder After Shallow Hal Movie Release
- A California store owner was killed over a Pride flag. The consequences of hate
- Halle Berry and Ex Olivier Martinez Officially Finalize Divorce After Nearly 8-Year Legal Battle
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Maine’s highest court rules against agency that withheld public records
'Blue Beetle' is a true-blue surprise
Louisiana fights wildfires, as extreme heat and dry weather plague the state
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
What Trump's GA surrender will look like, Harold makes landfall in Texas: 5 Things podcast
New York golfer charged with animal cruelty after goose killed with golf club
Drought affecting Panama Canal threatens 40% of world's cargo ship traffic