Written by Reananda Hidayat PermonoCompleted Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
A solar flare could significantly impact human life on Earth, such as creating geomagnetic storms and interrupting internet connection.
Furthermore, an intense solar storm creates temporary radio blackouts on the sunlit side of Earth.
According to the Spaceweather.com website, the last week’s solar flare caused a shortwave radio blackout over the Americas.
Mariners and radio operators may have noticed a signal loss at frequencies below 30 MHz for more than one hour.
Here are more FAQs about solar flares that you should know.
Are solar flares harmful? Solar flares can damage power grids and increase radiation exposures for space habitats and high-altitude aircraft.
What is the biggest solar flare in history? The Carrington Event, the most massive recorded solar storm in history, was witnessed by British astronomer Richard Carrington in 1859.
How often do solar flares hit Earth? According to a new study, powerful solar storms strike Earth every 25 years.
Meanwhile, less powerful solar flares occur every three years.
Can solar flares affect cell phones? People may not notice it, but solar flares can interfere with radio systems and cell phone signals from time to time.
Do solar flares happen every day? The number of solar flares increases as the sun nears the solar maximum.
Therefore, solar flares may exist several times daily throughout the 11-year solar cycle.