Sun Blasts Out Strong X-Class Solar Flare Towards Earth

A strong X-ray flare event reaching the X1.6 level from Region 3663 was observed at 03/02:22 UTC. The latest imagery shows some dimming to the north of the region, meaning a CME may have been produced. AR3663 is directly facing Earth and any associated CME with this event will be geoeffective. A direct hit could spark strong G3-class geomagnetic storms with mid-latitude auroras in the USA and Europe. A pulse of X-rays and ultraviolet radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth’s atmosphere causing a shortwave radio blackout over Australia, SE Asia, China, East Russia, Siberia, and Micronesia. Ham radio operators and mariners in the area might have suffered a loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz for around an hour. #Xflare #radioblackout #CME Images credit: AIA/SDO, NOAA/SWPC, nemesis maturity channel, Music credit: YouTube Audio Library