The Sun has stunned scientists with a powerful X-class flare that originated in the newly formed sunspot AR4046. This flare was accompanied by a spectacular coronal mass ejection (CME) — an eruption of plasma and magnetic fields into space. However, despite the event’s strength, its effects on Earth are unlikely due to the source’s location near the eastern edge of the Sun, as the emission has not been directed at our planet.
But AR4046 will return to Earth as early as next week, and then any emissions from that area will be directed directly toward us. This will increase the risk of powerful geomagnetic storms and auroras. “The region will intensify!” — warned astrophysicist Ryan French.
How do flares impact the Earth?
Solar flares are divided into categories: A, B, C, M and X (the most powerful). Each level is 10 times stronger than the previous one. A X-class event could disrupt satellites, radio communications, and power grids. The current flare was given an X1.1 index, the minimum for an X-class, but its energy was enough to cause radio interruptions across an entire continent.
The X1.1 solar flare was associated with a gorgeous filament eruption. But the CME that followed may not be Earth-directed; the region was too close to the east limb. https://t.co/ENp8Vkz0DK pic.twitter.com/yIdbntQM9M
— Halo CME (@halocme) March 28, 2025
During a flare, the Sun ejects X-rays and UV radiation. They ionize the upper atmosphere, changing its density. This disrupts the propagation of shortwave radio signals — they “go out” due to collisions with electrons. This is what becomes the cause of temporary communication failures.
What to expect this week?
The AR4046 spot remains active, and its return “facing” Earth may bring new flares with coronal mass ejections. If emissions occur then, geomagnetic storms and bright auroras are possible. For now, forecasters and aurora enthusiasts are closely monitoring changes in the Sun.
BOOM! What a beautiful #SolarFlare (just now). This eruptive event reached the X-class level, and produced this stunning coronal mass ejection. The flare source region will rotate to face Earth in the coming week. Further strong solar activity is likely! #spaceweather pic.twitter.com/zmJypSI3nf
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) March 28, 2025
Although the current flare has passed without serious consequences, it serves as a reminder: our star is entering the peak activity phase of its 11-year cycle. And this means that the most colorful space “shows” are ahead of us!
Earlier we reported on how the Sun experienced the most powerful flare of this cycle.
According to space.com
