The Sun is nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, during which its magnetic field undergoes a reversal, switching the positions of its north and south poles.

This cycle, characterized by increased solar activity, sees the Sun releasing powerful flares that can impact life on Earth.

Recently, two significant solar flares erupted from sunspot region AR3663, with Earth directly in their path.

The first flare, classified as an X-class flare, occurred on May 2, causing radio blackouts across Australia, Japan, and parts of China.

The second flare, an M-class flare, occurred on May 3. These eruptions coincide with the emergence of a new sunspot, which has been active with multiple flares.

Given that the sunspot was facing Earth during the eruptions, there is concern about potential coronal mass ejections (CMEs), large releases of plasma and magnetic field.

Earth-directed CMEs can disrupt power grids, communication networks, satellites, and pose radiation risks to astronauts, NDTV has reported.

Solar flares result from the release of built-up magnetic energy in the Sun’s atmosphere, classified by their strength into X, M, C, and B classes, with X being the most powerful.

Written by B.C. Begley