A class X2.0 solar flare, the highest possible class, occurred on the Sun - the first since December 2024

A class X2.0 solar flare, the highest class, has been recorded on the Sun. This was reported by IKI and ISSF RAS.

The peak of radiation reached Earth around 22:20 Moscow time on February 23. This is the first event of this magnitude since December 8, 2024. The activity of the Sun has increased dramatically in less than a day: previously, three class M flares were recorded, including a large M4.9.

The epicenter of the flare was initially located in a potentially dangerous zone - at an angle of 20 degrees to the Earth. However, specialists later clarified that the source had shifted to the western edge of the Sun, which eliminated the threat of geomagnetic consequences. Information on possible plasma ejections has not yet been confirmed due to delays in data from coronagraphs.

Scientists do not rule out the possibility of new powerful flares in the coming hours, as solar activity continues to increase. Specialists will update the forecast for the possible impact on the magnetosphere on February 24. The last time a class X flarewas recorded in January 2025.

Depending on the power of X-ray radiation, solar flares are divided into five classes - A, B, C, M and X. The minimum class A0.0 corresponds to a radiation power at the Earth's orbit of 10 nW per 1 sq. m. When moving to the next letter, the power increases by 10 times. Solar flares can lead to geomagnetic storms on Earth.

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