China's Fengyun-4C satellite captures powerful solar flare

The sun fired off a powerful flare at 09:07 Beijing Time on Friday, which was captured in great clarity by China's Fengyun-4C geostationary meteorological satellite, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

The flare was observed from the active region 14419 near the sun's northwest limb and peaked at X2.4. Flares are classified from C, the weakest, to M, of moderate strength, and X, the strongest.

The blast caused temporary disruptions to shortwave radio communications and satellite navigation signals.

It was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection, but scientists said that its trajectory is offset from Earth and is unlikely to trigger major geomagnetic disturbances.

Launched on December 27 last year from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Fengyun-4C is currently the world's most capable geostationary meteorological satellite when it comes to comprehensive single-satellite detection capabilities.

It can significantly enhance the monitoring of meso- and small-scale weather systems and early warning capabilities regarding such systems, as well as the monitoring of space weather sources, thus strengthening its role as the first line of defense in meteorological disaster prevention and mitigation.

China's Fengyun-4C satellite captures powerful solar flare

Recipients of the July 1 Medal arrived at the Great Hall of the People for a special award ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Wednesday morning.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will confer the medal, the Party's highest honor, on model CPC members at the ceremony, which is part of the celebrations for the CPC's 105th founding anniversary.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will deliver an important speech at the event, which will begin at 10:00.

Eight people have been chosen to receive the medal this year.

Outstanding Party members, Party workers, and primary-level Party organizations from across the country will also be honored at the gathering.

The July 1 Medal was first awarded in 2021 to mark the centennial anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

The medal, which features red, gold and white as its main colors, adopts key elements such as the Party emblem and the five-pointed star.

Recipients of July 1 Medal arrive at Great Hall of People