An X-class solar flare occurred on the Sun. It was registered almost at midnight on July 1 by specialists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAS and ISZF SB RAS.

According to scientists, this is the first X-category flare after a series of less powerful events recently. The day before, three M-class flares were observed on the Sun, but the new flare turned out to be significantly stronger and belongs to the maximum category in terms of X-ray radiation power.

Experts explained that solar flares are classified into five levels – A, B, C, M, and X. Each subsequent class means a tenfold increase in radiation power compared to the previous one, so X-class flares are considered the most powerful among all registered.

Scientists also note that such phenomena are often accompanied by ejections of solar plasma. If such a cloud moves towards Earth and reaches our planet, it can cause magnetic storms that can affect the operation of satellite systems, radio communications, and navigation equipment.

Currently, specialists continue to analyze the flare's parameters and are investigating whether it was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection and whether this event could affect Earth's geomagnetic environment.