What is a solar flare and how is it related to the Northern Lights?
Solar flares are powerful bursts of light and energy from the Sun. They occur when the Sun’s magnetic forces suddenly connect and release large amounts of energy. This energy can affect Earth and create the phenomenon we call the Northern Lights. Solar flares are often a sign of increased solar activity, but they don’t necessarily mean we will see the Northern Lights.
Solar flares are categorized into different classes based on their strength. The most common classes are A, B, C, M, and X, with A being the weakest and X being the strongest. The higher the class, the more powerful the flare. M- and X-class flares are the ones most likely to affect Earth. If they are linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a massive release of particles from the Sun, it can lead to noticeable effects on Earth.
- M-flare: When an M-flare is linked to a CME, it can take 1-3 days before we notice its effects on Earth. This can cause moderate geomagnetic storms and visible auroras at higher latitudes.
- X-flare: When an X-flare is linked to a CME, it can take as little as 18-24 hours before we feel the effects. X-class flares can cause severe geomagnetic storms, intense auroras, and disruptions to satellites, GPS systems, and power grids.
To determine if a solar flare is linked to a CME, further analysis is required. If the CME is heading toward us, the three-day forecast will show increased activity, and we can expect the Northern Lights in the coming days.
What has happened in the last 24 hours?
The strongest solar flare observed in the past 24 hours is class C6.3. It was observed on 20.01.2025 and reached its maximum at 14:15. It is unlikely that this will cause increased aurora activity, even if it turns out that it has sent particles toward Earth.
Observed solar flares
The cards show all observed solar flares of class M and X in the last three days. The most interesting solar flares are M and X because these have the potential to create increased aurora activity.
M2.4
Class M is a moderate solar flare that can lead to increased aurora activity if a coronal mass ejection (CME) is heading toward Earth. <a href="https://www.nordlysvarsel.com/nb/tre-dagers-nordlysvarsel/">Tre-dagersvarselet</a> will show increased aurora activity tomorrow morning if this is confirmed.