A Solar Storm Comes with Flares on the Rise | Space Weather News 18 March 2024

This week our Sun kicks activity into high gear with multiple solar storm launches, including one that is Earth-directed. Although not a direct hit, it could bring aurora to mid-latitudes for a short while starting March 20. In addition, we have a whole cluster of active regions rotating into Earth-view. Several of these are big-flare players, including a returning region that was an X-flare player the last time it was in view. Amateur radio operators should expect more noise on the dayside radio bands along with periodic radio blackouts. GPS users should also stay vigilant, especially at high latitudes as we have an ongoing radiation storm that could affect reception. Also, when the solar storm hits, GPS reception could be more problematic near aurora and near dawn and dusk. Learn the details of the coming solar storm, watch the new flare activity, and see what else our Sun has in store.