Strong X2.5 solar flare erupts on Sun, scientists monitor potential impact

A powerful class X2.5 solar flare erupted on the Sun early Friday morning, according to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Space Research Institute (IKI RAS) and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS).

The event occurred at 04:07 and is described by researchers as the strongest solar flare recorded in nearly two and a half months.

Scientists noted that the flare was accompanied by a significant coronal mass ejection, clearly visible in imagery from space-based telescopes. However, the explosion site is located near the Sun’s edge, with an angle of more than 60 degrees relative to the Earth’s direction. This positioning suggests that most of the ejected plasma is moving away from the planet.

“As a result, there is a high probability that the event will have no significant impact on Earth,” the report stated. Researchers added that only a glancing interaction with the outer edge of the plasma cloud is possible, while a direct impact has been ruled out.

Preliminary assessments indicate that a more accurate forecast will depend on ongoing mathematical modelling conducted throughout the day. Scientists also stressed that solar activity remains elevated, and additional strong eruptions cannot be excluded in the coming hours.

Earlier, a more powerful X4.2-class flare was recorded on February 4 during an exceptionally active period of solar activity, which scientists described as the most intense series of solar events in the current century.