A massive X5-class solar flare was detected by Earth-orbiting satellites just hours before 2024 began, the most potent eruption the sun has produced since 2017. Its aftermath looks set to cause a geomagnetic storm on Earth on January 2, which could mean displays of the northern lights (also called aurora borealis) in the northern hemisphere.

Solar Flare

According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, it peaked at 21:55 UTC (4:55 p.m. EST) on December 31, shortly after NASA declared on social media that 2023’s most significant flare was an X2.8 flare on December 14. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory detected it.

Strong solar flares known as X-class flares can have a big impact on our planet. They can mess with Earth’s magnetic field and cause problems with things like satellites, communication equipment, and even power grids. They can also be dangerous for astronauts who are orbiting the planet.

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