A recent breakthrough in predicting solar flares has scientists optimistic about a new early warning system. Researchers using NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory have identified flickering coronal loops, which show erratic brightness fluctuations just hours before a flare. This discovery could revolutionize how we protect astronauts, satellites, and power grids from hazardous space weather.
The research team, led by heliophysicist Emily Mason, analyzed data from 50 strong solar flares and found that the loops above flaring regions varied significantly in extreme ultraviolet light compared to those above non-flaring regions. These erratic changes could provide an early warning system for solar flares, potentially issuing alerts up to 2-6 hours before a flare occurs.
While this discovery is promising, more observations are needed to confirm its link to stronger flares. Team members believe that measuring the brightness variations in coronal loops could provide more precise warnings than existing methods, signaling oncoming flares with an accuracy of 60-80%.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/nasa-just-found-the-suns-secret-warning-before-massive-solar-flares