A series of high-intensity solar eruptions has put the scientific community on alert and is expected to result in solar material reaching Earth between Thursday (5) and Friday (6). Satellites recorded at least five X-class explosions—the most powerful category—in less than three days, all originating from the same active region on the Sun, identified as AR 4366. The information was released by CNN Brasil.
According to the agencies, the strongest eruption, classified as X8.1, caused the ejection of solar material heading toward the planet, although the expectation is for weak-intensity impacts.
According to records, the recent sequence began on Sunday (1st), when an explosion classified as X1.0 occurred. Then came the most powerful event, X8.1 class, followed by X2.8 and X1.6 eruptions. On this Tuesday (3), a new X1.5 class explosion was observed, consolidating the fifth episode of this category in a few days—a pace considered unusual by experts.
NOAA reported that the X8.1 explosion was responsible for the coronal mass ejection expected to reach Earth. Even with predictions of moderate effects, events of this type can interfere with radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals, as well as pose risks to astronauts on missions. There is also the possibility of intensified auroras at higher latitudes.
The active region responsible for the explosions, sunspot AR 4366, stands out for its size. According to astronomer Thiago Gonçalves, director of the Valongo Observatory at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the spot is about 10 times the diameter of Earth and remains active. Since it emerged on January 30, 21 C-class eruptions, 38 M-class, and five X-class have been recorded, underscoring the exceptional nature of the recent period.
Solar eruptions are part of the Sun’s natural behavior, which undergoes magnetic activity cycles averaging 11 years. During these cycles, the star’s magnetic field reorganizes, promoting the appearance of sunspots and explosions of varying intensities. While events of this nature are relatively common, the concentration of strong eruptions in such a short time is less frequent.
Scientists classify these explosions into categories indicating their impact potential. X-class are the most severe, potentially affecting satellites and communication systems. M-class have intermediate intensity and can cause localized interruptions in radio transmissions, while C-class are smaller and generally have few perceptible consequences. Below them are B and A classes, progressively weaker with effects virtually imperceptible on Earth.
Even without expectations of major disruptions, this sequence of events underscores the importance of constant solar activity monitoring, as more intense storms could, in extreme scenarios, cause significant impacts on the planet’s technological infrastructure.
Fonte: brasil247.com