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Over the past seven days, the Sun delivered a geomagnetic “spike”: a moderate storm (G2) on August 9, resulting from the arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched on the 5th combined with a high-speed stream from a coronal hole. There was at least one noteworthy flare (M1.7) on August 10. Auroras extended into high latitudes during the afternoon and night of the 9th.

Extended Technical Summary

X-ray activity (GOES) recorded an M1.7 flare at 03:12 UTC on Aug 10 (1–8 Å band), reported by SWPC in its event listings. In SOHO/LASCO coronagraphs, the August 5 CME was observed which, according to SWPC, contributed to the geomagnetic episode of Aug 8–9; operational modeling (WSA-ENLIL) pointed to an impact around those dates.

In the interplanetary environment (L1), SWPC solar wind plots show the combined increase in speed and field strength that preceded the geomagnetic deterioration on the 9th (with a southward Bz component for several hours). The planetary Kp index reached G2 level (Kp≈6) at 15:48 UTC on Aug 9, and the week’s minimum Dst was −71 nT around 11 UTC on Aug 9, consistent with a moderate storm phase.

Sunspot activity remained high: the estimated international sunspot number (EISN, SILSO) rose from ~120 (Aug 5) to ~195 (Aug 8). The F10.7 cm radio flux (DRAO/Penticton) stayed elevated for the current cycle. SDO (AIA/HMI) showed several complex active regions during the week, responsible for the flare activity and the cited CME.

On February 23, 2025, the Sun emitted a powerful X2.0-class solar flare, considered the most intense recorded so far this year. This event, which has captured the attention of astronomers and scientists, highlights the increasing solar activity in the current solar cycle, which reached its peak at the end of 2024.

Solar flares are classified into five main categories: A, B, C, M, and X, with the latter being the most powerful. Within the X-class, each number indicates even greater intensity. The recent X2.0 flare generated intense electromagnetic radiation that temporarily affected radio communications and navigation systems in certain regions of the planet.

The phenomenon originated in the active region AR 4001, located on the northwestern edge of the Sun at the time of the eruption. Despite the intensity of the event, experts consider the impact on Earth to have been moderate due to the position of the active region, which reduced the likelihood of an associated coronal mass ejection (CME) directly hitting our planet. Additionally, the solar plasma ejected into space was not directed toward Earth, significantly reducing potential geomagnetic effects on our environment. Due to this, the Solar Alert app did not issue any warnings, as there was no imminent threat to Earth.

However, solar activity remains at elevated levels, and space agencies such as NASA and NOAA continue to closely monitor the Sun’s behavior. Geomagnetic storms resulting from flares like this can produce spectacular auroras but may also affect technological infrastructures such as power grids and satellites.

This event serves as a reminder of the importance of studying the Sun and its influence on our environment. The scientific community continues to analyze these phenomena to predict their effects and mitigate potential adverse impacts on our technology and communications.

The Sun, the source of life and energy on Earth, continuously emits particles as solar wind and occasionally erupts with powerful coronal mass ejections and solar flares. These events impact the space environment across the solar system. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) monitors the Sun around the clock, capturing detailed images in 10 wavelengths, each revealing different temperatures of solar material. A new ultra-high-definition video showcases these captivating images, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the Sun’s dynamic activity and its grand forces.

In late April 2015, observations indicated that the Sun was nearly devoid of sunspots, highlighting the ongoing weakness of Solar Cycle 24—the most subdued solar cycle in over a century. This period of minimal solar activity, following a notably deep solar minimum from 2007 to 2009, has implications for space weather and Earth’s climate. While reduced sunspot activity generally leads to fewer geomagnetic storms, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of significant solar events. Historically, even during weak solar cycles, powerful storms like the Carrington Event of 1859 have occurred.

Source: https://arcfieldweather.com/blog/2015/04/30/845-am-the-sun-is-now-virtually-blank-during-the-weakest-solar-cycle-in-more-than-a-century

Research indicates that Earth may be due for a significant solar storm, similar to the 1859 Carrington Event, which could disrupt modern technology and infrastructure. Such an event could lead to widespread power outages, affecting millions and costing trillions. Advancements in space observation have improved our ability to anticipate these storms, but further preparation is essential to mitigate potential damage.

Source: https://www.mic.com/articles/117742/it-may-be-right-about-time-for-a-massive-solar-storm-to-hit-earth?fbclid=iwy2xjawht9htlehrua2flbqixmaabhdp4fe2uxc2cmhjvpmcfipbspdhzsr3xiidgiaaaibj4sqqmfbqckkb-nq_aem_gb_stjxdypmvnyabkhkupw

In May 2015, experts warned Congress about the severe vulnerability of the U.S. power grid to electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), which could disrupt electricity for millions for years. Despite the availability of protective technology and an estimated $2 billion safeguard cost, political delays hinder progress. Advocates urged for mandatory EMP protections in infrastructure, while states were encouraged to take independent action. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initiated new standards to address these risks.

Source: http://www.hngn.com/articles/92233/20150514/congress-warned-emp-electromagnetic-pulse-vulnerability-leave-americans-without-power.htm

A twisting magnetic flux rope on the Sun’s surface was observed leading to a solar flare, providing key insights into how solar magnetic fields release energy. This event highlights the role of flux ropes in triggering solar flares, which can affect Earth’s space weather and technological systems.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3059391/Watch-twisting-solar-flux-sun-Stunning-video-reveals-winding-rope-magnetic-field-causing-flare.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHS4INleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdp4Fe2uXC2CmHJvPmCFiPBsPdHzsR3XIIDgiAAaIbJ4SQQMFBqckKB-NQ_aem_gb_STJXdypMVNYABKHKUPw