Solar flare caused radio blackouts

Plus: This cute robot pet will warm your heart and protect your home. Jan 11, 2023 [Blueprint]( [Flares are back.]( No, not the bell-bottom trouser type (though those have also made something of a comeback of late), but solar flares. A powerful solar flare hit Earth last week, causing a radio blackout over parts of Australia and the South Pacific. This is one of the strongest flares seen since October last year and scientists think it could be a sign of what’s to come. It gave off a huge solar flare, classified as X1.2 class. These are the most powerful bursts of radiation known to humanity …so quite powerful. But before you gasp in wonderment at that, cast your eyes over something a little smaller …and cuter. [This video]( shows Loona, the cute robot pet will warm your heart and protect your home. Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard from the people behind the latest advancements in wireless tech, which might be set to supercharge our world. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. [Play]VIDEO OF THE DAY [This cute robot pet will warm your heart and protect your home.]( [This cute robot pet will warm your heart and protect your home.]( A pet that lasts forever? Sign me up. [Must Read]MUST READ [A powerful solar flare hit Earth causing radio blackouts.]( [A powerful solar flare hit Earth causing radio blackouts.]( Last week a [powerful solar flare hit Earth](. It caused a radio blackout over parts of Australia and the South Pacific and was one of the most powerful flares seen since October last year. A solar flare is an eruption of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun's surface. According to the European Space Agency, flares occur when energy stored in magnetic fields on the solar surface is suddenly released. Solar scientists study sunspots (try saying that quickly) as they develop on the surface of the Sun, in a bid to predict when solar flares might happen. The recent flare came from a complex sunspot that has been cataloged as Sunspot AR3182. → Last week’s sunspot gave off a powerful solar flare, classified as X1.2 class. The X-class solar flares are the most powerful bursts of radiation known to humanity. Class M-flares have moderate intensity, while classes A, B, and C are used for low-intensity flares. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [Facebook]( [INNOVATION]INNOVATION [A drone that never lands? Scientists in China test lasers to keep drones aloft 'forever.']( A team of researchers in China has developed a [method for using high-energy laser beams to keep drones airborne "forever."]( Though high-power laser systems are more often associated with anti-drone technologies, these researchers fitted a drone with a photoelectric conversion module that converts light energy into electricity. This means a high-energy laser beam could be trained on the drone to charge it remotely, so it never has to land, theoretically. The team carried out a successful experiment on what they describe as optics-driven drones (ODD), during which they tested the automated charging process that tracks the drones during flight. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [SCIENCE]SCIENCE [Meet eQuinox 2, the all-new 'eyeless' telescope giving city dwellers the universe in minutes.]( The world's most powerful and user-friendly smart telescope manufacturer, Unistellar, debuted the [brand-new 'eyeless' eQuinox 2]( at the Consumer's Electronics Show (CES) 2023. With eQuinox 2, even users in light-polluted cities and suburbs can see astronomical phenomena like Jupiter's huge red spot or Orion Nebula's stunning pink and purple colors. This is all possible because the next-generation eQuinox 2 features Smart Light Pollution Reduction (SMLP) technology. SMLP helps offset the detrimental effects of light pollution in heavily urban settings, allowing observation of the galaxy's far reaches. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [TRANSPORTATION]TRANSPORTATION [This electric folding motorbike could be the perfect vehicle for apartments.]( A Japanese startup is making electrified transport smaller than ever with its [new folding motorbike](. Icoma's Tatamel electric motorbike was on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2023) this week in Las Vegas. It’s being marketed as clean and convenient transport in a neat design that you can fold up and store in a cupboard. Clever. After just three hours of charging from a standard power outlet, it can go for nearly 20 miles (32 km) at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 kmh). [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [MAIL & MUSINGS]MAIL & MUSINGS A powerful solar flare hit Earth causing radio blackouts. Do you think radio blackouts on Earth will become more frequent as a result of solar flares? [Yes, it’s going that way]( [No, this is an isolated incident]( [It’s possible, but is nothing to worry about]( [I am unsure either way]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Yesterday, we asked you if the new radars set to be installed on F-35s will give the U.S. a distinct advantage in warfare, and 56 percent of you said yes, in certain situations. 56% In certain situations, sure 25% Yes, it’s a game changer 11% No, the U.S. isn't ahead in the tech stakes 8% I am unsure either way [QUOTE OF THE DAY]QUOTE OF THE DAY “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” Alexander Graham Bell. [7 ways to enhance your TV viewing experience at home]( [THINGS WE LOVE]THINGS WE LOVE [image]( [Solar Tealights]( [image]( [Ergode Terry Folding Bookcase]( [image]( [Whiskey Making Kit]( [image]( [Samsung Galaxy Buds]( [AND ANOTHER THING]AND ANOTHER THING - [Rise of the machines](. [premium] - [Rare ‘dark lightning’]( might briefly touch passengers when flying. (Science News) - [Phone charging clothes material]( could go on sale in a few years. [premium] - How [AI is shifting the limits]( of knowledge imposed by complexity. (New Scientist) - [Could coffee prolong your life?]( Scientists think it might. [premium] - Blood test can predict onset of Alzheimer’s disease [a decade before symptoms appear](. (BBC) - A new [FDA-approved Alzheimer's medicine]( slowed cognitive decline in patients. [Subscribe to IE+ today.]( Prepared by Alice Cooke Enjoy Reading? Forward this email to a friend. Was this email forwarded to you? [Join Free!]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Linkedin]( [Instagram]( You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. 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