Powerful sunspot region set to face Earth, scientists warn

A large and highly active region on the Sun, already linked to powerful solar flares, is expected to rotate into view of Earth within the next two days, according to the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Scientists say the active region has been observed on the far side of the Sun for the past four days. During that time, it likely produced at least two extremely strong solar flares, believed to be of the highest X-class category. Because the region was facing away from Earth, direct observation and precise measurement were not possible, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

Once the region becomes fully visible, experts will be able to closely assess its activity and issue more reliable forecasts for the coming week. For now, researchers stress that the flares already recorded pose no threat to Earth.

In addition, an M-class flare rated at M3.3 was detected in the same area late last night. Scientists explained that solar events on the far side of the Sun are usually difficult to observe, but in this case, the region was near the solar limb, allowing instruments to detect part of the energy release.

Most of the radiation from that flare was blocked by the Sun’s disk, meaning its true intensity was likely much stronger than measured. However, researchers note that accurately determining its strength is impossible at present, as no satellites are equipped to continuously monitor the Sun’s far side.

Solar scientists will continue monitoring the region closely as it turns toward Earth, watching for any signs of heightened activity that could influence space weather in the days ahead.

By Sabina Mammadli