A powerful X1.1 solar flare has erupted from the sun’s northwest region, marking what may be its last major explosion of 2024. The flare was detected early Sunday by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and sparked a strong radio blackout on parts of Earth. While not the largest solar flare of 2024, the X1.1 event was still one of the most powerful types possible.
The sun’s recent activity has been monitored by GOES-16, a weather satellite that tracks solar flares and space weather events. The SWPC is currently analyzing whether a coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred in conjunction with the flare. If confirmed, it could potentially amplify northern lights displays and interfere with satellites and power infrastructure.
The X1.1 flare was significantly smaller than an X9 event that occurred on October 3, which remains the largest solar flare of 2024. However, the current event has still produced a noticeable impact, with radio blackouts reported in various regions.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/sun/sun-unleashes-massive-x1-1-solar-flare-to-close-out-2024-photo