The Sun unleashed its most powerful surge of activity in the last two years. On July 5, a record number of solar flares were recorded in a single day – a total of 24 events of category C and above, if counted by universal time, and 26 flares if Moscow time is considered. However, scientists reassured that such activity is primarily of scientific interest rather than a practical threat to Earth.
What is happening on the Sun now
The main active regions of the Sun – large groups of sunspots – are already shifting towards the western limb of the star. One of them, numbered 4478, is among the largest in the last decade.
These regions will soon move to the far side of the Sun and will practically cease to affect Earth.
Flares will soon subside
According to scientists' forecasts, the X-ray flux, which has been elevated tenfold in recent days, will begin to decrease soon. If no new active zones appear, the Sun may enter a calmer state by mid-week.
Although theoretically there remains a small chance of new flares, the main activity is now subsiding.
Will the star's activity repeat
According to astronomers' calculations, the same sunspot groups may turn towards Earth again around July 20 – after the Sun completes half a rotation around its axis. However, experts believe that by then, they will most likely have weakened or disappeared.
What about the magnetic storm
The magnetic storm that was observed on Saturday and was the second strongest this year has ended. Currently, geomagnetic indices and solar wind parameters have returned to normal values.