R1 (Minor) radio blackout is a temporary disruption in high-frequency (HF) radio communication caused by solar flares. These flares release high-energy particles that ionize the Earth's upper atmosphere, affecting radio wave propagation. While R1 blackouts are classified as minor, they can still cause weak or occasional loss of HF communication, particularly on the sunlit side of the Earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
R1-R3 radio blackouts are space weather events caused by solar flares, impacting HF (High Frequency) radio communications. R1 (Minor) blackouts are caused by M-class solar flares, while R2 (Moderate) and R3 (Strong) blackouts are caused by X-class flares. These events can cause temporary disruption or loss of HF radio signals, primarily affecting the 3 to 30 MHz band.
R2 radio blackout is a moderate level radio blackout, typically caused by solar flares that disrupt the ionosphere, which can affect high-frequency (HF) radio communications and navigation signals. These blackouts can lead to temporary loss of radio contact on the sunlit side of the Earth.
R3 (Strong) radio blackout is a type of solar flare that causes disruptions to radio communication, particularly in the high frequency (HF) band (3-30 MHz). These blackouts occur when solar flares release extreme ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the Earth's upper atmosphere, causing radio waves to be absorbed and degraded.
G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm means weak power grid fluctuations and minor impacts on satellites are possible. Migratory animals can also be affected at this and higher levels, and aurora is commonly visible at high latitudes. This level of activity is relatively rare.
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm, as categorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), is a significant disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere. It can lead to various impacts on technology, including power grids and spacecraft, as well as potential effects on radio propagation and the visibility of the aurora.
G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect, meaning a faint glimpse of the aurora could be visible in latitudes as low as the Great Lakes, upper Midwest states, and westward towards Oregon. This watch is due to the arrival of multiple coronal mass ejections from the sun. False alarms on some protection devices and corrections for satellite orientation may be needed during this time.