China's Fengyun-4C satellite captures powerful solar flare
The sun fired off a powerful flare at 09:07 Beijing Time on Friday, which was captured in great clarity by China's Fengyun-4C geostationary meteorological satellite, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
The flare was observed from the active region 14419 near the sun's northwest limb and peaked at X2.4. Flares are classified from C, the weakest, to M, of moderate strength, and X, the strongest.
The blast caused temporary disruptions to shortwave radio communications and satellite navigation signals.
It was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, but scientists said that its trajectory is offset from Earth and is unlikely to trigger major geomagnetic disturbances.
Launched on December 27 last year from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Fengyun-4C is currently the world's most capable geostationary meteorological satellite when it comes to comprehensive single-satellite detection capabilities.
It can significantly enhance the monitoring of meso- and small-scale weather systems and early warning capabilities regarding such systems, as well as the monitoring of space weather sources, thus strengthening its role as the first line of defense in meteorological disaster prevention and mitigation.
