Group 1 - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center reported a significant solar flare of X8.1 intensity from sunspot region 4366, with expectations of more active solar phenomena in the coming days [1] - The simulation of coronal mass ejections indicates that most of the ejected material will pass by Earth from the northern and eastern sides around February 5 [1] - Such high-level solar flares typically exhibit rapid intensification and weakening, lasting from minutes to hours, potentially causing widespread signal degradation or interruptions in high-frequency communication on the sunlit side of Earth [1] Group 2 - Solar flares are among the most intense phenomena on the Sun, characterized by sudden brightening in localized areas of the solar atmosphere, often accompanied by enhanced electromagnetic radiation and particle emissions [2] - Solar flares are classified into five levels (A, B, C, M, X) based on energy, with each level further divided into ten grades [2] - Strong solar flare events can lead to solar radiation storms and coronal mass ejections, which may trigger geomagnetic storms affecting satellites, space stations, and ground-based power and communication systems [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the severe geomagnetic storm and solar radiation storm currently affecting Earth's space environment, with impacts expected to last until the 21st [1][2]. Group 1: Geomagnetic and Solar Radiation Storms - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a warning about a strong geomagnetic storm and severe solar radiation storm, triggered by a solar flare on the 18th, which resulted in an S4 level solar radiation storm [1][2]. - The geomagnetic storm reached G4 level (severe) on two occasions, first on the 19th and again on the 20th, marking the strongest geomagnetic activity since October 2003 [2]. Group 2: Impacts on Infrastructure and Communication - High-latitude regions may experience voltage fluctuations in power systems, with some power grids facing operational instability risks due to the strong geomagnetic storm [2]. - Satellites may encounter attitude anomalies and increased atmospheric drag, while high-frequency radio communications in high-latitude areas could experience attenuation or interruptions [2]. - The S4 level solar radiation storm poses increased radiation exposure risks for astronauts and polar flight personnel, as well as heightened risks for geostationary satellites and space launch systems [2].

Core Viewpoint - A strong geomagnetic storm and severe solar radiation storm are currently affecting the Earth's space environment, with impacts expected to last until January 21 [1] Group 1: Geomagnetic Storms - Solar radiation storms are caused by intense solar activities such as flares and coronal mass ejections, which release high-speed charged particle flows that interact with the Earth's magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms [1] - The current solar activity is in the 25th cycle, characterized by periodic changes in solar activity approximately every 11 years [1] Group 2: Impact on Technology - The Swiss journal "Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences" reported that geomagnetic activity significantly affects the fall of SpaceX's Starlink satellites, with the descent phase during strong geomagnetic storms occurring 10 to 12 days earlier than during quiet periods [2] - High-latitude regions may experience voltage fluctuations in power systems and instability in some power grids due to strong geomagnetic storms [2] - High-frequency radio communications in high-latitude areas may suffer from attenuation or interruption during geomagnetic storms [2] Group 3: Effects on Human Health - While the atmosphere protects humans on the ground from geomagnetic storms, individuals sensitive to electromagnetic environments may experience anxiety, insomnia, and decreased sleep quality [2]