On December 29, the Sun experienced 15 powerful flares, one of which was of the highest class X. The first flare occurred on the night of Sunday, according to the Institute of Applied Geophysics.
At 01:14 Moscow time, an M1.2 flare with a duration of 19 minutes was recorded in the X-ray range in group of spots 3933 (S09W61).
During the day, 14 more class M and X flares were also recorded. According to space weather monitoring data, the strongest flares at the moment are X1.1 (occurred at 10:18 Moscow time) and M7.1 (occurred at 18:09 Moscow time).
According to preliminary data, mass ejections are expected to approach the Earth, which may cause moderate magnetic storms in the period from December 31 to January 1.
Depending on the intensity of X-ray radiation, solar flares can be divided into five categories: A, B, C, M and X. Flares are usually accompanied by emissions of solar plasma, which, reaching the Earth, can cause magnetic storms.
Earlier, scientists gave a frightening forecast of space weather. According to them, magnetic storms will become more frequent and will last about two to three years. Until about 2028, we will have to live in conditions of magnetic storms and auroras.
Read materials on the topic:
Ten-hour magnetic storm will cover the Earth due to a solar flare