Potential for M-class Solar Flares from Earth-facing Sunspots
Over the past few months, the Sun has demonstrated its power and is anticipated to become even more active as we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, projected to occur in 2025. Throughout its 11-year cycle, the Sun releases CMEs, solar flares, solar storms, and other highly energetic particles that have the potential to harm Earth’s electrical infrastructure. Despite scientists’ ability to forecast most of these occurrences, the current level of activity in this cycle has already surpassed the previously predicted maximum threshold.
According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the number of sunspots observed during this cycle has exceeded expectations for a solar maximum, nearly two years ahead of schedule. Experts have now revealed two sunspots that recently sent solar flares towards Earth.
Sunbursts today
According to NOAA, there are currently seven active sunspots heading toward Earth, and two of them have recently sent flares toward the planet. Sunspots AR3409 and AR3403 exploded, sending solar flares that could reach Earth today, August 21. According to the report, there is a 99 percent chance of Class C flares, and experts have also predicted a 15 percent chance of Class M flares. reach the ground.
Although unlikely, there is a one percent chance that these could turn out to be X-class solar flares, the most powerful launchers on the Sun. Powerful, X-class solar flares emitted by the Sun can not only disrupt global communications, damage satellites and bring down power grids for blackouts, but also cause radiation storms that can deliver small doses of radiation to people flying in airplanes. time!
Increase in solar activity
As we move towards the peak of the solar cycle, the Sun’s activity is expected to increase exponentially. According to a report by spaceweather.com, Earth has been hit by a fast solar wind stream that caused geomagnetic storms and aurora borealis in Finland and Sweden.
In addition, NASA’s Perseverance Rover recently spotted the solar disk crossing a mammoth sunspot on August 17th. It was big enough to be seen from the surface of Mars! The rover took pictures of the sunspot using Mastcam-Z. According to NASA, Mars orbits the Sun beyond its extreme side, and therefore the rover can see approaching sunspots nearly a week before Earth, giving us a preview of future solar activity.
