Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b) Solar flares.
• Solar flares are sudden explosions on the Sun’s surface that release intense radiation and charged particles, disturbing Earth’s magnetosphere and causing geomagnetic storms.
Information Booster:
• Solar flares originate in active sunspot regions.
• They emit X-rays, UV rays, and solar wind particles.
• Can disrupt satellite communication, GPS, and power grids.
• Measured by satellites like SOHO and Parker Solar Probe.
• Often accompanied by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
Additional Knowledge:
• Auroras (Northern/Southern Lights) occur due to charged particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
• Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle.
• Sunspot numbers indicate solar activity intensity.
• Major geomagnetic storm events: Carrington Event (1859), Quebec blackout (1989).