Solar Radiation Storm

Context: The Sun unleashed the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, ranked S4 (Severe) by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, causing intense auroras across Europe and disruptions to aviation GPS systems.

About Solar Radiation Storm:

What it is?

• A solar radiation storm occurs when the Sun ejects extremely fast, high-energy charged particles—mainly protons—towards Earth following powerful solar eruptions.
• These particles can penetrate Earth’s magnetic shield and pose risks to space-based and high-altitude technologies.

How it forms?

• Triggered by X-class solar flares, the most intense category of solar flares.
• Often accompanied by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), where plasma and magnetic fields are expelled from the Sun’s corona.
• Charged particles accelerated to near-light speeds reach Earth in minutes to hours, travelling ~150 million km.

Measurement & classification:

• Classified using the NOAA Space Weather Scale (S1–S5).
• Based on proton flux ≥ 10 MeV, measured by GOES satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
• S4 storms are rare and last occurred during the Halloween Storms of October 2003.

Implications on Earth:

• Space & astronaut safety: Increased radiation exposure for astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
• Aviation: Radiation risk for polar flights; GPS and HF radio disruptions.
• Satellites: Damage to electronics, navigation errors, orbital drag changes.
• Power grids: Geomagnetic storms linked to transformer damage.
• Auroras: Intense aurora borealis and australis visible far beyond polar regions.