Did you know that solar flares are equivalent to explosions created by millions of nuclear weapons?

Solar flares erupt outwards into space at a speed of four million miles per hour, releasing massive amounts of energy. This intense burst of radiation may interfere with satellites, GPS signals, TV signals and also cause blackouts. Before moving forward, let us briefly learn about them.

Define Solar Flares

We are aware that the Sun is full of charged gases. These charged gas breaks free of the surface and spews into space, causing a giant explosion. It sends out a blob of plasma across the solar system, and one of them moves towards Earth. Solar flares or solar storms are powerful events erupting from the Sun.

What causes the solar flares?

It usually occurs when the magnetic field lines from the sunspots get tangled up and erupt. As soon as the blast occurs, magnetically charged particles built in the solar atmosphere releases across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. It is known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

When these charged particles or CMEs hit the surface of the Earth, they cause geomagnetic storms. These storms can disrupt the functioning of satellites and power grids. But what are the other impacts of solar flares on Earth? 

The particles originating from the surface of the Sun has a significant effect on the magnetic field surrounding the Earth. The magnetic field protects the planet from different events occurring in the atmosphere by deflecting the harmful particles away.

But in the case of powerful solar flares, the magnetic layers cause the concentration of these particles towards the Polar Regions. People living in Northern and Southern latitudes can expect to see bright lights or Auroras at night.

Can Solar flares affect the health of Humans? 

According to experts, solar flares cannot directly affect humans on Earth because those harmful rays get absorbed by the atmosphere. The passengers flying at high altitudes and over the poles are at a higher risk of getting exposed to radiation.

Although not everyone is convinced that solar flares are harmless in terms of human health. Various reports by experts claimed that there is a link between the occurrence of solar flares and strokes.

Human activities are highly affected by these radiations. Due to heavy fluctuations caused by these particles, the magnetic field allows them to enter the surface. It induces a current in the power lines after interacting with the magnetosphere. As a result, transformers can blow, causing power cuts all over the area.

It is advised to keep a check on the behaviour of the Sun and warn the citizens to control the conventional risk factors.