M-class flares are possible on the Sun on June 15 and 16. This is the second-highest power level before the strongest X-class. However, the Institute of Applied Geophysics clarified that overall solar activity is expected to be low.
Solar flares are sudden bursts of energy in the Sun's atmosphere. They occur in the star's active regions. Flares are divided into five power classes: A, B, C, M, and X.
The classes are progressive. A is the weakest level, followed by B and C, then M, and the most powerful class is denoted by X. With each subsequent letter, the power increases tenfold.
However, not every solar flare automatically means a geomagnetic storm on Earth. It is important to consider whether the flare is accompanied by a coronal mass ejection and whether this cloud will travel towards Earth. If the stream reaches our planet, it can disturb the magnetic field and cause geomagnetic fluctuations.
Strong solar activity can interfere with radio communications, satellite operations, and navigation. If a cloud of plasma ejected by the Sun reaches Earth, it can cause disturbances in the magnetic field and geomagnetic storms.