[Reading Science] A 'Giant Claw' on the Sun? ... Explosions Becoming More Severe

US NASA Releases Photos Taken by Solar Dynamics Observatory
Moderate Solar Flare Eruption on the Afternoon of the 7th
Shortwave Communication Network Disrupted Across the Pacific Region

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A powerful explosion occurred on the Sun, causing shortwave radio signals to be blocked in some parts of the Earth.

The explosion scene of a solar flare captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on the 7th. It looks like the claw of a large crab. Photo by NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that around 6:07 PM (Eastern Time) on the 7th, a medium-class solar flare occurred, temporarily disrupting shortwave communication networks across the Pacific region. This flare originated from a massive sunspot (AR3213) extending about 100,000 km across the Sun’s surface facing Earth. This medium-class (M6) flare emitted strong magnetic fields and solar particles (cosmic rays) toward Earth, generating large-scale auroras and causing interference with radio communications.

The Sun’s surface activity cycles approximately every 11 years, and it is currently becoming increasingly active ahead of its peak expected in 2025. In fact, on January 5th at around 7:57 PM, a powerful flare of the highest grade occurred on the Sun, disrupting high-frequency communications in some areas. At that time, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) detected a flare rated at the highest level, X1.2.

A flare is a phenomenon where an enormous amount of light and energy temporarily erupts from the Sun’s surface. They are classified by intensity into A, B, C, M, and X classes. When an X-class flare occurs, it can pose risks to satellites and astronauts. For several days, radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals can experience serious disruptions.

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) deploy satellites, radio telescopes, and probes to monitor solar activity 24/7 throughout the year. In particular, NASA launched the Parker Solar Probe, and ESA launched the Solar Orbiter, both approaching close to the Sun to analyze the components of the solar wind and investigate the Sun’s structure and atmosphere.