Solar Observatory of NASA recorded two powerful solar flares this week, as observed from orbit.
The skies over various parts of the world lit up on the 10th of May 2024, as an incredible aurora display was witnessed. This stunning sight was the result of heightened solar activity, caused by the Sun's energetic outbursts.
Recent times have seen the Sun displaying more frequent energetic outbursts, such as solar flares. These intense bursts of radiation have been captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), a satellite that operates in space and is responsible for capturing the Sun's various wavelengths, including its colour.
In the run-up to the 10th of May aurora display, multiple solar flares were captured by the SDO. The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on the 29th and 27th of May, with the latter peaking at 03:08 EDT (07:08 UTC) and classified as an X1.4 flare, among the most intense solar flares produced by the Sun.
The flare on the 10th of May also reached X-class strength, being an X2.8 flare. This flare, along with those on the 8th and 9th of May, were also captured by the SDO.
NASA's Earth-observation satellite also captured a view of the May 2024 aurora from space. Solar Cycle 25, which the Sun is approaching the peak of, has been characterized by an increase in coronal mass ejections, sunspots, and solar flares.
Both solar observers and aurora chasers are currently keeping an eye on solar activity in anticipation of the next geomagnetic storm. The Sun's activity is expected to continue to be monitored closely, as these intense solar flares and aurora displays provide valuable insights into the Sun's behaviour and its impact on Earth.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory, operated by NASA, will continue to play a crucial role in this monitoring, capturing these energetic outbursts and providing data that helps scientists better understand our Sun and its effects on our planet.
