In June, the sun exhibited remarkable activity by producing over 160 sunspots, marking the highest monthly count in more than twenty years.

This data provides confirmation that the current solar cycle, known as the 25th cycle since records began, is experiencing a rapid increase in intensity, surpassing the predictions made by NASA and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Consequently, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for severe space weather events in the coming months and years, Space .com reported.

Initial forecasts by the space agencies anticipated a maximum monthly count of sunspots during the peak of the 25th solar cycle to reach a modest 125.

However, recent observations indicate that the sun is following a trajectory that may lead to a peak of just under 200 monthly sunspots.

Some scientists even speculate that this peak could materialize within a year, diverging significantly from earlier projections.

Written by staff