As the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, solar storm activity has markedly intensified. Tiar Dani, an expert researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), confirmed that the peak is anticipated to last through 2025.
"We are entering the 25th solar storm cycle with a predicted peak in 2024-2025," Tiar stated on December 9, 2024.
This surge in solar activity is characterized by a rise in sunspots, which are dark areas on the Sun's surface. These sunspots can lead to solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which release vast amounts of solar material into space.
Solar flares often disrupt radio communications, particularly those relying on high-frequency (HF) radio waves, essential for aircraft pilots and emergency response teams. Alternative communication methods can help mitigate these disruptions.
CMEs can significantly impact Earth, arriving within 2 to 3 days of their occurrence. A visible sign of their effect is the appearance of auroras in polar regions. These high-energy particles can also interfere with satellite operations.
Currently, disruptions have been minimal, with few satellites reported affected. A notable incident occurred in May when a solar storm impacted the Starlink satellite. The strongest solar storm recorded recently was an X9 flare on October 3, which also caused limited satellite disturbances.
The latest solar events include an X2.3 flare on December 8, 2024, which resulted in some disruptions. Satellite operators are now better prepared for such occurrences. Global space agencies, including BRIN, are actively monitoring solar activity and issuing forecasts to minimize potential impacts on critical systems.
Tiar recalled the Carrington Flare of 1859, the largest solar storm to reach Earth, which disrupted the geomagnetic field and caused auroras as far south as Hawaii. "If such an event occurred today, it could disable all satellites; however, it is a very rare occurrence," she noted.