Solar Flares and Solar Storms.
Solar Flares and Solar Storms.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide dedicated to the captivating world of solar flares. Solar flares, often referred to as nature's spectacular phenomena, are intense bursts of energy and radiation originating from the Sun's surface. In this carefully curated resource, we delve deep into the science, impact, and awe-inspiring beauty of solar flares.
Solar flares are sudden and explosive releases of energy on the Sun's surface, resulting from the reconfiguration of magnetic fields. These events can produce a dazzling display of light and radiation..
Discover the advanced technology used by astronomers to observe solar flares up close. Find it at space-based observatories like the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and ground-based telescopes equipped with specialized filters and instruments.
The effects may depend on alot of factors.
For geomagnetic storms is the Kp index (the magnetic index on earth) is specified how we categorise geomagnetic storms caused by solar storms/CMEs, we talk about a major geomagnetic storm when we exceeded kp7 then out category is G3.
For radio storms we specify this by the X-Ray energy index on GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) -16 as main sattelite and -18 as secondary. We also use this to classify solar flares and then the radio storm. (C10 = M1, M10 = X1, X10 = X10) (M1 - M4 = R1) (M5 - M9 = R2) (X1 - X9 = R3) (X10 - X19 = R4) (X20 or higher = R5), we talk about a major radio disturbance when we hit R3.
Proton Event products are issued for several thresholds and for two particle energy levels. The ≥10 MeV products match the NOAA Solar Radiation Storm (S-scale) thresholds (10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000 pfu), based upon values observed or expected on the primary GOES satellite. The ≥100 MeV products are based on a single flux threshold of 1 proton flux unit (pfu). Proton Event WARNINGS are forecasts of a proton event and are issued by SWPC under two conditions: warning of the expected ONSET of a Proton Event, and warning of the expected PERSISTENCE of a Proton Event that is already in progress. The ≥10 MeV Integral Flux WARNING is issued based upon the expectation of reaching or exceeding flux levels of 10 pfu. The ≥100 MeV Integral Flux WARNING is issued based on the expectation of reaching or exceeding flux levels of 1 pfu. Proton Event WARNINGS include a specific indication of what condition - Onset or Persistence - applies to the WARNING. The WARNING period is expressed in terms of “Valid From” and “Valid To” times. If needed, the warning period may be extended by means of an EXTENDED WARNING. EXTENDED WARNINGS always have the same “Valid From” time as the original WARNING, with a revised “Now Valid Until” time specified in the message. The ≥10 MeV Integral Flux WARNING includes the predicted level of activity based on the NOAA S-scale. Proton Event ALERTS are issued upon confirmation of ≥10 Mev or ≥100 MeV Integral Flux exceeding certain thresholds. Initial ALERTS for ≥10 MeV and ≥100 MeV energies are issued for integral flux reaching or exceeding 10 pfu and 1 pfu, respectively. Higher threshold ≥10 MeV ALERTS are also issued for threshold exceedance of 100, 1,000, 10,000, and 100,000 pfu, matching the thresholds described in the NOAA S-scale. Once the Proton Flux has dropped below a given threshold, a Proton Event SUMMARY is issued, specifying the start, maximum, end times, and maximum flux observed for the event, along with the corresponding NOAA S-scale. Because flux levels can drop slowly, the time of a "confirmed" drop below threshold can sometimes take several hours to determine. Higher threshold products for ≥100 MeV flux levels, such as 100 pfu, are being considered for future implementation. Solar Proton Events at Earth can occur throughout the solar cycle but are most frequent in solar maximum years. SPEs result from fast coronal mass ejections. During an SPE, satellites experience dramatically increased bombardment by high-energy particles. Fluxes of particles with energies ≥ 10 MeV can reach 43,500 protons/cm2/sec/ster. Single Event Upset rates in spacecraft electronics increase with high fluxes since there is a higher likelihood of impact on a sensitive location. In addition, these high energy particles can access the polar ionosphere and create an enhanced region of ionization (called the ‘D-Region’) which interferes with HF radio communication in these areas. High-energy particles can reach Earth anywhere from 20 minutes to many hours following the initiating solar event. The particle energy spectrum and arrival time seen by satellites varies with the location and nature of the event on the solar disk. Okay this is a lot of info but proton flux is complex. Read SWPC NOAA's SPACE WEATHER SCALES https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation.
All these factors impact earths conditions.
Mostly solar storms can be forcasted max 3 days before, most of them are found on https://www.spaceweatherlive.com.
Stay informed with the latest developments in solar flare research and space weather forecasting. Explore recent scientific discoveries and breakthroughs that contribute to our understanding of these solar phenomena on https://www.spaceweatherlive.com and https://www.swpc.noaa.gov.
Access a curated collection of educational resources designed for students, educators, and space enthusiasts. Dive into articles, videos, and interactive simulations to enhance your knowledge of solar flare science can be accesed on on https://www.spaceweatherlive.com and https://www.swpc.noaa.gov.
Whether you are an experienced scientist, an aspiring researcher, or simply someone fascinated by the wonders of the solar physic's, solar flares happens all the time mostly minor. While we are going to solar maximum of cycle 25 (mid 2024) then we would expect heavrier solar storms.