Active region 4478 on the Sun has grown to 1550 units of area, becoming the second largest in the last decade, according to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI RAS and ISZF SB RAS. Only region 3664 in May 2024 was larger – after which Earth was hit by the strongest magnetic storm in 20 years.
The satellite sunspot 4479 is also growing nearby. Solar flares are occurring almost continuously, but so far they are 5–10 times weaker than one would expect from such huge structures. Scientists do not yet understand why the energy is not released more powerfully.
The first plasma ejections could reach Earth as early as Friday night. An extreme scenario is not expected, but the storm could grow to G2–G3 levels and become the strongest in recent months.
Time is running out: the Sun moves the sunspots approximately 13 degrees away from the Earth-Sun line each day. By the weekend, they will be so far away that even very powerful flares will no longer be able to directly impact the planet.
Read more on the topic:
- The Sun struck where it was least expected: a strong magnetic storm is heading towards Earth
- 17 flares in 24 hours: The Sun returns to dangerous activity levels
- The Sun has grown the largest spot of the year: in two days it will be opposite Earth