Boulder, CO – A powerful R3 (Strong) solar flare erupted from the Sun on Wednesday, peaking at X2.3 around 8:40 a.m. ET. This flare could disrupt high-frequency radio signals, primarily affecting regions exposed to sunlight during the event.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, there’s an ongoing risk of additional minor-to-moderate flares at R1-R2 levels this week. The center warns of potential geomagnetic disturbances, issuing a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for November 7. The watch follows a recent coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the solar flare, which may intensify geomagnetic activity when it reaches Earth.
NOAA advises HF radio operators and satellite communications systems to prepare for possible interruptions. The effects could last several hours, impacting communication, navigation, and some power grid functions.
Solar flares, especially at X-class levels, can impulsively rise and fall within minutes, leading to unexpected interference across communication networks. For real-time updates, NOAA recommends monitoring its website, which tracks space weather events and provides alerts for affected communities and industries.
