A Powerful Class X Solar Flare Has Occurred: Will It Cause a Magnetic Storm?

A powerful Class X solar flare occurred today at 11:05 AM Yerevan time, according to the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Institute of Space Research and the Russian Institute of Applied Geophysics. A similar flare that took place from May 10 to 12 resulted in a G5 class magnetic storm. Today's event may also lead to a magnetic storm, though scientists caution that it is still too early to discuss its potential impact on Earth.

Researchers speculate that the flare occurred on the far side of the Sun, with the center of the flare being located away from the Earth-Sun line. They also noted that if region No. 3664 on the Sun, which has retained its energy, indeed changes its position towards the Earth, then new flares may be expected in the coming weekend. "Around June 1, our planet will enter the area of distribution of flaring particles and plasma clouds," explained the Laboratory.

The number of solar flares in 2024 has increased, which scientists attribute to the Sun's 11-year cycle approaching its maximum. Solar flares are classified into five levels of intensity, from A to X, with each subsequent category being ten times greater than the previous one. Higher X-class flares are often accompanied by ejections of solar plasma that can cause magnetic storms when they reach Earth.