How do solar flares affect the Earth? Now, solar flares are a natural phenomenon that happens on the surface of the Sun with some regularity. It’s not uncommon for the Sun to experience small solar flares from time to time. But there have been a few larger events in recent years that have had some impact on Earth as well as our satellites.
These large solar flares are often referred to as “coronal mass ejections” (CMEs), and they release huge amounts of energy and plasma into space. They can be detected at quite some distance from the Sun. And because of their strength, they can also reach out far beyond the orbit of Pluto.
Unfortunately, this means that these events can have an impact on us here on Earth in different ways. Here is everything you need to know about how solar flares affect the Earth, and what you can do about it…
What is a solar flare?
A solar flare is essentially a large burst of energy on the surface of the Sun, which shoots out several charged particles into space. The most common type of solar flare is classified as an X-Class flare, which is the largest. Solar flares are associated with sunspots, which are “dark” (not visible) magnetic areas on the surface of the Sun.
They are a result of the Sun’s magnetic fields breaking and forming new magnetic fields as they realign. This happens every 11 years or so in what is referred to as the Solar Cycle. While solar flares can happen at any time. They are more likely to occur at the peak of the solar cycle, which is around every 11 years.
How do solar flares affect the Earth?
When solar flares are ejected into space, they carry with them charged particles, which can travel at very high velocities. When these collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they can cause the gases to become ionized. Because the Earth’s magnetic fields are connected to the ionosphere, solar flares can cause the magnetic fields to become distorted.
This can increase electromagnetic radiation, which can impact anything that receives or transmits electromagnetic signals. As well as these issues, solar flares can also cause the Earth’s upper atmosphere to expand, which can increase the drag on low-orbiting satellites, causing them to fall to Earth quicker.
The Problem with Solar Flares
Solar flares are certainly a natural phenomenon, but their effects can be problematic for us when they occur. Although solar flares can affect our communication devices, it is the disruption in GPS that is the biggest problem.
Satellites transmit the data needed to calculate location and navigation. Which is then translated into the system that drives our cars and navigation devices on our phones. However, solar flare events can cause radio interference, which can affect the precise timing needed by GPS systems.
As GPS is relied on by most industries and sectors, this kind of event can cause a lot of problems. A large solar flare event in 2012 caused problems for air travel and several airlines were forced to reroute their planes to avoid affected areas.
GPS and Communication Issues
As well as temporarily disrupting GPS, solar flare events can also cause damage to satellites and their onboard equipment. Particles in the solar flares can cause damage to the solar panels of satellites, as well as the sensitive electronics on board.
If the solar panels are damaged, then the satellite is not functioning as it should, or it could even be shut down permanently. Damage to sensitive electronics can also mean there are problems with the satellite’s communication systems. If this occurs, there could be issues with data transmission and reception.
Ionization of the Atmosphere
As well as the distortion of the Earth’s magnetic fields, solar flare events also cause the upper atmosphere to expand, which can have some negative effects. The most important of these is that it can increase the drag on satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), causing them to fall to Earth faster.
This can cause problems for satellites that are providing important services, such as satellites used for GPS and communication. Satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO), however, are not affected. This is because they are too high to be affected by the changes in the upper atmosphere.
Magnetic Shifts in the Earth’s Atmosphere
Solar flare events can also cause shifts in the Earth’s magnetic fields, which can lead to the Northern Lights being visible further south. This can occur because the charged particles from solar flares cause the ionosphere to expand and move southwards, which can increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
This can be problematic, though, as it can also disrupt communications and navigation systems, as well as increase the number of radiation people is exposed to.
Conclusion
Solar flares are an important natural phenomenon that happens on the surface of the Sun, and they are usually a benign occurrence. However, they can also cause problems for us here on Earth, particularly when they result in “coronal mass ejections” (CMEs).
Solar flares can cause damage to satellites and the communications frequencies they transmit on. As well as cause damage to the sensitive electronics on board. They can also cause damage to the upper atmosphere. Which can increase the amount of drag on low-orbiting satellites, causing them to fall to Earth more quicker.
They can also cause shifts in the Earth’s magnetic fields. Which can lead to the Northern Lights being visible further south.
