A giant sunspot cluster, AR3664, has reappeared, bringing back the threat of a solar storm.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center detected a strong X2.8 solar flare erupting from the southeast limb of the Sun on Monday, likely caused by AR3664. This cluster had previously unleashed a geomagnetic storm and is now visible again, emitting high levels of radiation into space. Solar flares are classified based on their strength, with X-class flares being the most powerful.
NOAA has warned that the charged particles released by the Sun this week may reach Earth, although it could take some time due to the eruption's location. AR3664, which had grown to over 124,300 miles during its last appearance, is now back in view after being hidden for a couple of weeks as the Sun rotates on its axis.
The cluster is currently undergoing a gradual reorientation towards Earth, emerging from the southeastern region of the Sun. This region, known as the eastern limb, refers to the side of the Sun that is rotating into view from the perspective of the solar disk. Notably, AR3664, now referred to as Old AR3664 by stellar scientists, has shown no signs of slowing down since unleashing a solar storm on Earth. Although it remained hidden from our vantage point on Earth, NASA's Solar Orbiter spacecraft detected an X12-class solar flare originating from this volatile sunspot. This flare resulted in a significant coronal mass ejection on the side of the Sun facing away from us, as stated by Ryan French, a solar physicist at the National Solar Observatory.
If the sunspot continues to emit charged particles from the Sun's surface, it could potentially lead to another solar storm. The previous storm, which occurred earlier this month, reached a G5 rating, the highest level on the geomagnetic storm scale. The radiation emitted by the Sun during this event caused disruptions in the power grid, radio blackouts, and impacted various technologies and infrastructure. Additionally, it resulted in the mesmerizing display of colorful auroras across the night skies in many parts of the world.
In the upcoming weeks, we may have the opportunity to witness more awe-inspiring auroras. However, it is hoped that the Sun will not significantly interfere with our vital technology.