New satellite images of solar flares have been released, showing that Earth is currently enveloped in a solar storm, according to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Commission (Suparco). The Institute of Space Technology in Islamabad provided these detailed images of the Sun’s surface, revealing the ongoing solar activity.
Solar storms are caused by the Sun releasing large bursts of energy through solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which send streams of electrical charges and magnetic fields toward Earth at speeds of around three million miles per hour.
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Suparco has warned that geomagnetic storms are approaching Earth due to this solar material and energy. This poses a risk to satellites, power grids, and space stations. The agency reported that three CMEs are heading toward Earth, with the first two being M-class solar flares launched on August 7.
The initial CMEs were relatively minor, but the third is a powerful X1.3-class solar flare. Additional M-class flares have also been released. The plasma and magnetic waves from these flares are expected to reach Earth in the next three to four days, with potential impacts including radio blackouts and disruptions to satellites, cellular networks, and GPS systems.
