Effects of solar flares on Earth- How do solar flares affect Earth?
Solar flares only have an impact on our planet when they occur on the side of the Sun facing Earth.
Solar flares are rated into several different classes (B, C, M, and X classes, with X being the most intense) based on their power, strength, or energy output.
The effect a solar flare will have on Earth depends on what class (B, C, M, or X classes) it is.
Solar Flares do not directly harm individuals living on the ground because Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the Sun's intense and powerful radiation.
Outside of Earth's atmosphere, radiation from a solar flare, however, can be dangerous to astronauts because it can have an impact on the technology we rely on.
The technology that depends on Earth’s ionosphere might be affected by Stronger solar flares – those rated class M5 or above.
High-frequency radio used for navigation and GPS are the examples of the technology that depends on Earth’s ionosphere – our electrically charged upper atmosphere.
When the burst of light from a flare reaches Earth, it may trigger electrical surges and scintillation, or flashes of light, in the ionosphere.
As a result, radio signals may be disrupted or blackout for a few minutes or, in the worst situations, for several hours.
One risk of a radio blackout is that radios are frequently used for emergency communications, such as directing people during an earthquake or hurricane.
Solar eruptions and flares can endanger astronauts and spacecraft and can affect radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals.