The sun released a “significant” solar flare Monday – a monster in fact, according to some media reports. The powerful blast of radiation doesn’t seem to be headed our way, but if it were, NASA says not to worry. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from being harmed by radiation. However, we might have some problems tweeting.
… when intense enough [solar flares] can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel.”
Not good. Here’s more about Monday’s flare:
These @NASA_SDO images from Feb. 24, show the first moments of an X-class flare http://t.co/qw1Kphfxuz pic.twitter.com/3Sl6ZXrMPR
— NASA Goddard Images (@NASAGoddardPix) February 25, 2014
Some believe a large enough flare could cause damage to the North American electrical grid, the effects of which could leave Western nations in the dark for months. But that’s for another time. If you’re interested in learning more about solar flares and the sun’s active cycle – which is happening right now!! – check out some of our past posts.