Watch the video above: NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a powerful solar flare.
TORONTO – A powerful x-class solar flare erupted from the sun late Tuesday evening.
The X2.7-class flare ejected a powerful burst of radiation and caused temporary radio blackouts on the Pacific side of Earth.
READ MORE: How solar storms could leave us in the dark
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Solar flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections, a stream of plasma with magnetic field lines. When these CMEs reach Earth, and the particles interact with our magnetic field, they can cause disruptions to satellites, GPS and power grids. However, on the plus side, a CME is also responsible for giving us the northern lights.
A CME was associated with this flare, but it won’t directly impact Earth.
However, there was an increase in geomagnetic activity on Wednesday. If it continues, those in high latitudes may get the chance to see some aurorae.
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