Solar storm prediction! X-class solar flares likely today, may spark blackouts
A new sunspot has entered the Earth-facing side of the Sun, and it appears to be crackling with solar flares. Luckily, so far it has not exploded, but it cannot be said just how long it will stay the same way. And perhaps that's why today's solar storm forecast has included a chance of an X-class solar flare eruption as well as the possibility of radio blackouts due to solar winds passing. It remains to be seen whether any eruptions today can release a coronal mass ejection (CME) towards the Earth and cause a further solar storm threat.
Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov posted on her X account to give a detailed solar storm prediction. According to the forecast, there is a 35 percent chance for an M-class solar flare eruption (R1-R2) and a 5 percent chance for an X-class solar flare (R3). Additionally, there is a 10 percent risk of a radiation storm hitting the Earth as well.
Earlier today, SpaceWeatherLive, an X account dedicated to reporting live space weather tweeted, “03:15 UTC - Type II Radio Emission. Begin Time: 17/08/2023 02:29 UTC. Estimated Velocity: 253km/sec”.
Radio emissions are electromagnetic waves that are thermally charged and are released from the Sun at the time of solar activity. Type II is a moderate emission, but it can still spark shortwave radio blackouts that can affect ham radio operators, drone pilots, mariners, and those who rely on shortwave frequencies.
Luckily, today it does not appear that the Earth is being targeted by a CME that can spark a solar storm event. But if these predicted solar flares go off, things can change quickly.
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