Sunspot AR3663 and AR3664, the two most active sunspots in Solar Cycle 25, have been causing a stir with their recent outbursts of solar flares. AR3663, located near the sun’s western limb, has unleashed yet another X-class solar flare, adding to the five it has already produced since May 3. Not to be outdone, AR3664 also fired off an X-flare along with multiple M-class solar flares.
What is particularly concerning is the rapid growth of AR3664, which has more than doubled in size in just 48 hours, now ranking as one of the largest sunspots in this current solar cycle. Due to this growth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued an increased solar flare risk warning.
Solar flares are classified by their size, with X-class flares being the most potent, followed by M-class and C-class flares. AR3664, described as an emerging X-flare player, recently produced an X1 flare along with a coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME from AR3664 is predicted to reach Earth within the next 48 to 72 hours, potentially triggering a geomagnetic storm that could result in auroras at high latitudes.
Scientists and space weather experts are closely monitoring these developments, as heightened solar activity can have various impacts on Earth’s technological systems and communications. Stay tuned for updates on how these solar flares may affect our planet in the coming days.
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