On December 29, 2024, the Sun produced an extraordinary solar flare classified as X1.1, one of the most intense in recent years. This event originated from the northwestern region of the Sun facing Earth and triggered a series of phenomena that affected our planet. Among these, a radio blackout was reported in several areas worldwide.
Solar flares are bursts of electromagnetic radiation generated by sunspots, which are cooler regions with particularly strong magnetic fields. Their intensity ranges from class A (less powerful) to class X (more intense), with X1.1 representing a significant event.
When the Sun emits such intense flares, the charged particles released during the explosion can interfere with terrestrial technological systems. Specifically, radio communications, GPS systems, and electrical networks are impacted by these disturbances. Furthermore, the flare led to spectacular auroras, both northern and southern, created by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists are analyzing data to determine if this flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME). CMEs are massive bubbles of plasma and magnetic field that, if directed towards Earth, can cause much more intense geomagnetic storms. Although the flare on December 29 was significant, 2024 has proven to be a particularly active year for solar activity.
The X1.1 flare was monitored by the NOAA's GOES-16 weather satellite, which, with its advanced instruments, provides crucial data for tracking solar activity and predicting its effects on Earth. The 11-year solar cycle, which alternates between maximum and minimum activity phases, suggests that the Sun is entering a new maximum, increasing the likelihood of flares and other solar events in the coming years.