X1.2 Event: Decoding the Sun’s Latest Megaflare

On July 13, 2024, the sun emitted a powerful X1.2 class solar flare, which reached its peak intensity at 10:34 p.m. EDT. It was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors the Sun.

Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. Flares are our solar system’s largest explosive events and are seen as bright areas on the sun. Their energy can reach Earth within minutes and cause disturbances to the electromagnetic field.

The classification of solar flares is based on their brightness in the X-ray wavelengths observed by satellites. These classes are labeled as A, B, C, M, and X, with A being the smallest and X the most intense. Each class has a tenfold increase in energy output than the preceding one. Within each letter class, there is a finer scale from 1 to 9, which provides more details about the flare’s strength. For instance, an X1 flare is the lowest in its class but is still ten times more powerful than an M1 flare.

X-class flares are major events that can trigger planet-wide radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms. Monitoring and understanding solar flares is crucial for anticipating and mitigating their effects on satellite communications, navigation systems, and power grids.