Solar Flare: 4 Potential Hazards of the Sun's Spectacular Show

It was quite a show, but the aftermath leaves a bit to be desired.

The sun sent off a massive wave of charged particles in our direction Monday night after the largest solar flare was recorded on the star's surface in four years.

As with all solar flares, a sudden flash of radiation accompanied the flare, reaching Earth in minutes. What will follow over the next few hours, however, can have an impact on our world. A cloud of charged particles called a coronal mass ejection is certain to be experienced soon.

While those residing in the northern hemisphere can expect the aurora borealis to be especially beautiful this evening, Surge Desk runs down the some less desirable ways in which the recent solar flare could be experienced.

1. Electrical and radio wave disruption
Korea reported that radio communications have been disrupted as a result of Monday's solar flare. Short-wave radio signals are especially susceptible to disruption from the energetic particles contained in solar winds.

2. Satellite and spacecraft damage
According to NASA, "solar proton events can cause satellite damage." Apart from disruptions in such things as computer networks and cell phone reception, the damage caused by solar flares means that companies and governments face the prospect of being left with a whole lot of space junk, lest astronauts could be deployed to fix their satellites in space.

3. Astronaut health
Unfortunately, spacecraft and satellites aren't the only things in harm's way when a solar flare emits its radiation: Astronauts who find themselves outside the protective covering of the Earth's atmosphere can also be at risk from the fast-moving, invisible waves of charged protons. There are currently six astronauts aboard the International Space Station, including Americans Catherine Coleman and Scott Kelly.

4. Power outages
In 1989, 6 million people had their power knocked out after a solar flare cycle resulted in damage to electrical equipment to a Virginia power utility. According to Ron Beherns of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co., the northeastern part of the United States is especially susceptible to future outages caused by disruptions in the earth's magnetic field.

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