Sun's activity is ramping up with more solar flares expected

The Earth experienced the effects of a solar storm over the weekend. A minor geomagnetic storm was created as a result of the sun's recent eruption of a coronal mass ejection.

The Solar Ultraviolet Imager (#SUVI) aboard @NOAA's #GOES16🛰️ saw a stormy Sun on July 21! You can see a #CoronalMassEjection just above the middle of the Sun near the end of this animation (arrow). @NWSSWPC says a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm is likely on July 23. pic.twitter.com/bOTt88kg6k

— NOAA Satellites – Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) July 22, 2022

It is unlikely that this kind of solar activity will affect most people's daily lives, but it can affect satellites and make the Auroras visible in further parts of the globe. Due to the sun's cycle of activity, these types of solar events are likely to become more frequent.

G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming was observed at 23/0359 UTC. A G1 warning is in effect until 23/1800 UTC. pic.twitter.com/93MxPUoTHS

— NOAA Space Weather (@NWSSWPC) July 23, 2022

The sun's 11-year activity cycle is ramping back up, meaning phenomena such as solar flares are increasing in Frequency. Depending on the size and trajectory of solar eruptions, the possible effects to near- Earth space and Earth's magnetosphere can cause geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt power utilities and communication and navigation systems. Radiation damage may be caused by these storms.

There is a new instrument for observing such events. This weather observation satellite was launched by NASA in March and has already sent stunning views of our planet. It has an X-ray and EUV camera for observing the sun. The sun's corona is very hot and can be seen with this camera.

The sun in various extreme ultraviolet channels was shown in the first images from the SUVI. The video of the event can be seen on the website of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Post-launch testing includes checking instruments before full operations start. The operational role of the satellite is expected to be ready in early23.

There is a recommended video.