Astronomers have recorded a series of powerful Class X flares on the far side of the Sun. The active region where the explosions are occurring is gradually shifting towards the visible side and will be facing Earth in the coming days. This was reported by specialists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Observations show that high activity has persisted for about ten days in the region where the sunspot group numbered 4246 is located. According to researchers' estimates, several flares of maximum power level have occurred during this time. One of them, recorded on October 22, may have reached a strength of X10. Despite the fact that the region itself is not yet visible from Earth, plasma ejections are recorded by coronagraphs observing the outer solar halo.
By observing the change in the direction of the ejections, specialists conclude that the active center is approaching the eastern edge of the solar disk. It is assumed that it will become visible on Saturday, after which the flares will be able to directly affect the Earth's magnetosphere.
Northern Lights
Against the background of increased solar activity and moderate geomagnetic instability, the appearance of polar auroras is expected over the northern and northwestern regions of Russia. The most favorable conditions are predicted in the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, Karelia, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, and the Komi Republic. Observations are also possible in the Leningrad region. Auroras are unlikely in the central regions of Russia, including due to cloudy weather.
According to experts, the magnetic field remains within normal limits, although signs of instability persist. The probability of geomagnetic disturbances will persist for about another day.
Read more materials on the topic:
Most powerful flare of level X10–X15 occurred on the far side of the Sun
