Written by Reananda Hidayat PermonoCompleted Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Earth’s life existence depends on the sun’s radiant heat, but what happens when a strong solar flare occurs and directly hits Earth?
Could it be powerful enough to destroy all life on Earth?
The answers are complicated, but Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field keep us safe even from the most powerful solar flares.
The most dangerous radiation is soaked in the atmosphere long before it touches the ground.
Here are other FAQs about a solar flare and its impacts on Earth’s life.
What happens if a solar flare hits Earth? Its electromagnetic power could disrupt Earth's internet connections, grid, and communication devices.
When was the last solar flare? On January 5, 9, and 10, the sun released X1-class solar flares, causing extreme ultraviolet radiation into the solar system, including toward Earth.
What is a solar flare? A solar flare appears as a sudden brightening of the Sun’s region.
It’s a huge explosion of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun.
Can solar flares affect humans? According to NASA, radiation from a solar flare can’t pass through Earth's atmosphere to affect people on the ground.
Can solar flares destroy Earth in 2025? Solar flares have complicated impacts on human life, but it doesn’t have enough energy to destroy Earth.
It can ‘only’ create significant disruptions on power grids and communication devices.