JEDDAH — Ssolar-observing satellites detected a powerful M8.3 solar flare emanating from active spot AR4114, a flare that is very close to being classified as a powerful X-class flare. The flare was captured as a bright flash in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, reported that radiation from this flare caused a temporary interruption of short-wave radio transmissions in parts of North America, particularly at frequencies below 20 MHz. Radio amateurs likely noticed a sudden loss of signal within minutes of the solar eruption, a phenomenon known as "solar flare radio outage." He explained that the flare was not the only event, as it was followed by a coronal mass ejection, a massive explosion of charged gases from the solar corona. "Preliminary models indicate that most of the ejected material will head north of Earth, but part of its tip (the side limb or tail) is expected to hit our planet's magnetic field on June 18, 2025," he said. This sideways collision could potentially lead to a G1 (weak to moderate) geomagnetic storm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)," Abu Zahra added. He noted that it may result in minor disruptions to navigation systems and satellite communications, possible sightings of the aurora borealis in high latitudes, and minor fluctuations in electrical power grids in some northern regions. Abu Zahra stressed that forecasts will be updated in the coming hours, with more data received from solar and magnetic field observation satellites. The development of the situation may lead to a stronger classification of the storm if the intensity of the coronal mass ejection increases or its path towards Earth changes further. He noted that a coronal mass ejection can take from 1 to 3 days to reach Earth, depending on its speed, and significant impacts may occur if it is heading directly towards our planet. Abu Zahra concluded his talk by pointing out that G1 geomagnetic storms are the lowest on a scale of 5 degrees (G1 to G5), but they are sufficient to cause observable effects. When a coronal mass ejection occurs in Earth's direction, the magnetosphere protects against dangerous radiation, but it can cause a "shake-up" in the magnetic field known as a magnetic storm, which satellites and space observatories can detect with great accuracy.
