NASA shares images of massive explosions on the sun that unleashed solar flares

For skywatchers around the world, this celestial drama unfolded in stunning twilight.

New Delhi:

NASA recorded two explosions on the surface of the Sun that triggered powerful solar flares on Friday and Saturday. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has carefully documented solar flares that sent ripples of electromagnetic energy hurtling toward Earth.

“The Sun produced two powerful solar flares on May 10 and 11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 PM EDT on May 10, and at 7:44 AM EDT on May 11. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of events, which are classified as confidential.” “Such as X5.8 and X1.5 class flares,” NASA said in a statement.

The Sun unleashed two powerful solar flares from May 10 to 11, 2024, peaking at 9:23 PM EDT on May 10, and at 7:44 AM EDT on May 11. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the events, which are classified as X5.8 and X1.5 class flares. https://t.co/nLfnG1OvvEpic.twitter.com/LjmI0rk2Wm

— NASA (@NASASun) May 11, 2024

What followed was a cosmic spectacle, as Earth braced for the impact of these solar storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued alerts as the first coronal mass ejections (CMEs) rocket toward our planet.

For sky watchers around the world, this celestial drama unfolded in a stunning afterglow that painted the sky in vibrant hues of pink, green and purple. From northern Europe to Tasmania in Australia, sky observers were able to capture amazing images of this rare phenomenon.

Although solar storms are spectacular, they pose potential risks to technological infrastructure. Fluctuating magnetic fields caused by geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, communications networks and satellite operations.

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Starlink, acknowledged the challenges posed by the solar storm, noting the pressure on satellite operations. Despite the concerns, Musk reassured that SpaceX’s satellites were well equipped to handle the solar storm.