The first two flares, registered at X1.9 and X1.6 on the solar flare scale, respectively, occurred seven hours apart. However, it was the third and most potent flare that truly caught the attention of scientists, reaching an impressive X6.3 magnitude. This powerful explosion is a stark reminder that we are on the verge of entering the explosive peak of the solar maximum, which is expected to reach its zenith this year.
Solar flares and their accompanying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can significantly impact “space weather” across the solar system. Radio blackouts are a common consequence of solar flares, as the radiation travels toward Earth at the speed of light, ionizing additional particles in the lower ionosphere. The increased frequency of these gargantuan explosions makes strong geomagnetic storms more likely. In addition to colorful auroras, these storms can also impact ground-based infrastructure, cause satellites to tumble back to Earth, and superheat the upper atmosphere.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured images of the event, providing valuable data for scientists to study the Sun’s behavior and its potential impact on Earth. The ongoing solar cycle, number 25, is expected to reach its peak this year, with sunspots being most prevalent during the maximum. The greater the number of sunspots, the higher the likelihood of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).