Statistical analysis of solar flare associations with active regions and flare class characteristics (1996–2019)

Abstract

Our Sun provides beautiful nocturnal displays in the form of northern lights, while also emitting dangerous solar wind and storms that pose significant risks to our infrastructure. Solar storms are sudden and intense bursts of a wide range of radiation and represent among the most influential and dynamic phenomena in space weather. Research indicates that these energetic events disrupt satellite communications, global positioning systems (GPS) and affect power grids, highlighting the need for accurate prediction and the importance of research.

This thesis aims to provide a modern and compact overview of solar storms, focusing on flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Furthermore, this thesis examines the effects of solar storms on Earth’s technology and society. The background chapter provides an overview of the Sun’s structure and mechanisms that drive solar activity, which is necessary to understand the nature of solar storms. In the following chapters, the thesis examines these solar events and their specific impacts on Earth’s technological infrastructure. Additionally, this thesis includes a small analysis of the GOES Soft X-ray flare list from solar cycles 23 and 24. The analysis examines the durations and numbers of solar flares associated with active regions (ARs) with those that are non-associated with ARs. Moreover, this thesis will assess how the largest flares impact our overall infrastructure on land and in near space.