Direct observations of the far side of the Sun are currently impossible, Sergey Bogachev, Head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at IKI RAN, told RIA Novosti. According to him, it is too difficult to keep a stationary satellite there, and two devices orbiting the Sun are currently on the side facing the Earth.
In 2026, several maximum class X flares were recorded on the Sun: January 18, February 1, 2, 3, and 4. In addition, on January 8, 12, and 24, as well as on February 6, very strong explosions occurred on the far side of the star, which, according to scientists, can also be attributed to class X. What is happening there is not available for direct observation, Bogachev noted.
The scientist explained that stationary orbits on the far side of the Sun are impossible. One of the libration points L3, where an object could be balanced by the gravity of the Sun and the Earth, is on the opposite side of the Earth's orbit, but without a repeater, it is impossible to maintain radio communication with it. Therefore, observations of the far side of the star are only possible episodically with the help of devices that periodically pass there.
Previously, humanity had three such satellites — Solar Orbiter, STEREO-A, and STEREO-B, but the latter failed. The remaining two devices are now on the Earth side of the Sun.
Large flares on the far side become partially visible when the plasma from them spreads beyond the edge of the star, but accurate measurement of the strength of these explosions is impossible, Bogachev clarified. The limited observations complicate the prediction of solar activity and its impact on space weather, including possible effects on satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.