On January 3 and 4, 2025, two significant X-class solar flares erupted, resulting in communication outages across various regions including Africa, South America, and Australia. These flares reached Earth within minutes, prompting scientists to forecast a geomagnetic storm expected on January 5 and 6.
The first flare, classified as X1.2, occurred on January 3, while the second flare, classified as X1.1, took place on January 4. The radiation emitted from these events impacted radio communications, with the initial flare disrupting signals in parts of Africa and South America, and the second flare affecting areas in Australia and New Zealand.
Both flares originated from a sunspot region identified as AR3947, characterized by darker areas with cooler plasma and strong magnetic fields. When magnetic field lines realign, energy and radiation are released. If these sunspots are directed towards Earth, the resulting radiation can lead to adverse effects.
The disruption in communication occurs as charged particles from the Sun penetrate the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere, interacting with gas molecules and obstructing radio signal transmission.
Solar flares are categorized into five classes, with X-class flares being the most powerful. Each subsequent class increases in intensity by a factor of ten. Following X-class are M, C, B, and A classes. Each class is accompanied by a numerical value indicating the strength of the flare.
Scientists believe that both flares were accompanied by coronal mass ejections, which may also reach Earth. If this occurs, a geomagnetic storm of G1 or G2 level is anticipated on January 5 and 6, classified as moderate geomagnetic storms.
The Sun is currently experiencing a phase known as solar maximum, which typically occurs midway through the Sun's 11-year activity cycle. The current solar cycle, the 25th, began in 2019. Solar maximum is marked by an increase in sunspot activity and the occurrence of powerful flares. X-class flares are expected to become more frequent as we approach 2025.