The Laboratory of X-Ray and Astronomy of the Institute of Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported that a mid-level solar flare has been detected.
According to the institute, and based on the data of the US satellite “GOES-16”, a “M” solar flare was recorded, and the glow activity index rose from green to yellow.
The head of the institute, Sergey Cosin, told “Sputnik” that this flare does not pose a threat, but after two or three days it could cause a magnetic storm in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Cozen indicated that four to five cases were recently reported, confirming that nothing unusual happened except for a small magnetic storm.
The classification of magnetic storms consists of five levels – from G1 to G5. Experts say a weak storm could cause minor disruptions to the operation of power systems, as well as affect the migration routes of birds and animals.
Strong storms disrupt shortwave communication and navigation systems, as well as cut power in industrial networks.