- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 17 May 2025 04:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A massive solar flare eruption named the "Bird-Wing" for its expansive wing-like plasma arcs may affect Earth soon, warn astronomers and space weather forecasters. The event, which has caused a gigantic coronal mass ejection (CME) to shoot towards our planet, may trigger extreme geomagnetic storms and additional radio blackouts over multiple regions.
NASA's satellites captured the spectacular explosion of hot plasma blazing through the Sun's northern hemisphere. The flare measured more than a million kilometers wide, or more than twice the Moon-Earth distance, and was like giant wings ripping off the solar surface. It is a spectacular sight, but scientists explain that this phenomenon could have real-world effects. The phenomenon had the potential to set off an intense geomagnetic storm, potentially more intense than typical solar weather events. Scientists have already detected radio blackouts on the day side of Earth a few hours after the flare exploded. Impacted areas consist of North and South America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, according to Live Science.
What Are Solar Flares and CMEs?
Solar flares are rapid bursts of electromagnetic radiation resulting from the realignment of magnetic field lines on the Sun's surface. Flares are usually followed by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — gigantic clouds of magnetized plasma launched into space. While solar flares propagate at the speed of light, CMEs are slower, usually ranging between 250 km/s and 3000 km/s, and take 1 to 3 days to arrive on Earth.
If the CME directly affects Earth's magnetic field, sky observers will see enhanced auroras, or northern and southern lights. "It could even be seen in areas where auroras are uncommon," reported a note from the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. As scientists watch the path and intensity of the oncoming CME, power grids, satellite communications, and aviation networks have been warned for potential effects.
