After several weeks of calm, the Sun abruptly returned to an active phase. Over the weekend of May 23–24, scientists recorded several powerful explosions and large-scale ejections of solar plasma into space. The new surge in activity was reported by specialists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAS and ISZF SB RAS.
The explosions occurred on the far side of the Sun. The surge in activity was registered by coronagraphs – instruments that observe the star's vicinity and record ejections of matter into space.
Scientists attribute the surge in activity to new groups of sunspots that are not yet visible from Earth. They haven't even had time to receive official catalog numbers. In addition, sunspot group 4436, which has already moved to the far side of the Sun and is currently not visible from Earth, unexpectedly reactivated.
Scientists reassured that the current flares and plasma ejections do not threaten Earth. However, what is happening shows that after several calm weeks, solar activity has begun to intensify again.
