This morning, at 1:13 am UTC and peaking at 1:58 am UTC, the sun emitted a mid-level solar flare.

The flare released today was estimated to be a M7.7. This is a weaker flare compared to the more powerful X class flares. But, even so, M class flares can cause brief communication blackouts at the poles.

As the sun continues towards its solar maximum, increased solar activities are quite common. This current 11-year cycle will peak in 2013.

There was a coronal mas ejection associated with the flare that occurred today. A coronal Mass Ejection is another phenomenon that can send solar particles into space. These particles take about three days to reach earth.

This time, the CME will miss earth as the flare, coming from AR1520 was facing away from the planet. The flare was instead turned towards Stereo A, and could impact that sun-watching satellite.

Although gigantic bursts of radiation, or solar flares, can disrupt and degrade GPS signals as well as communications, the earth’s atmosphere protects humans from the effects of the flare.