Society

Solar flare disruption fading

Sep 09 (NHK) - Scientists say the disruptions in the Earth's magnetic field caused by charged particles from the sun have passed their peak. But they are calling for continued caution for few more days as there could be more explosions on the surface of the sun.

Solar flares -- large eruptions in dark spots on the sun -- have taken place several times this month.

A large-scale solar flare occurred shortly before 9:00 PM, Japan Time, on Wednesday, for the first time since 2006.

Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology says charged particles and shock waves released by the latest eruption reached Earth from 8 to 9 AM on Friday.

The institute says disruptions in the magnetic field peaked from 9 to 12 AM on Friday, and will gradually recede.

The scientists say they confirmed a margin of error several meters longer than usual for GPS data at the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.

The institute's Director Mamoru Ishii is calling for continued caution until Saturday or so. He is warning of another possible solar flare as well.

Scientists say the latest flares have no impact on human health.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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