A series of intense solar flares has put the scientific community on alert and should result in solar material reaching Earth between Thursday (5) and Friday (6). Satellites recorded at least five X-class explosions — the most powerful category — in less than three days, all originating from the same active region of the Sun, identified as AR 4366. The information was released by CNN Brazil.
According to the agencies, the strongest eruption, classified as X8.1, caused the ejection of solar material that is heading towards the planet, although the expectation is for weak impacts.
According to records, the recent sequence began on Sunday (1st), when an explosion classified as X1.0 occurred. Then came the most powerful event, of class X8.1, followed by X2.8 and X1.6 eruptions. On Tuesday (3), a new explosion of class X1.5 was observed, consolidating the fifth episode of this category in a few days — a pace considered unusual by experts.
NOAA reported that the X8.1 explosion was responsible for a coronal mass ejection that is expected to reach Earth. Even with predicted moderate effects, such events can interfere with radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals, as well as pose risks to astronauts on missions. There is also a possibility of intensified auroras at higher latitudes.
The active region responsible for the explosions, sunspot AR 4366, is noteworthy for its size. According to astronomer Thiago Gonçalves, director of the Valongo Observatory at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the sunspot is about 10 times the diameter of Earth and remains active. Since its emergence on January 30, 21 class C flares, 38 class M flares, and five class X flares have been recorded, reinforcing the exceptional nature of this recent period.
Solar flares are part of the Sun’s natural behavior, which goes through cycles of magnetic activity with an average duration of 11 years. During these cycles, the star’s magnetic field reorganizes itself, favoring the appearance of sunspots and the occurrence of explosions of varying intensities. Although events of this nature are relatively common, the concentration of strong flares in such a short time is less frequent.
Scientists classify these explosions into categories that indicate their potential impact. Class X explosions are the most severe, capable of affecting satellites and communication systems. Class M explosions have intermediate intensity and can cause occasional disruptions in radio transmissions, while Class C explosions are smaller and generally have few perceptible consequences. Below them are classes B and A, progressively weaker and with virtually imperceptible effects on Earth.
Even without expectations of major disruptions, the sequence of events reinforces the importance of constantly monitoring solar activity, since more intense storms can, in extreme scenarios, cause significant impacts on the planet’s technological infrastructure.
Source: brasil247.com