According to the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the IKI RAN, an M3.5 class flare was recorded at 04:48 Moscow time in the X-ray range in solar sunspot group 4274 (N22E72). The duration of the flare was 25 minutes.
Experts also noted that plasma ejections from the flare centers currently do not pose a threat to Earth, as the upper region is about 60 degrees away from the direction to the planet. However, forecasts suggest that within a day this angle will decrease to 45 degrees, and the ejections may begin to affect Earth. By the weekend, both active centers will be aligned with the "Sun - Earth" line.
Solar flares are classified by the level of X-ray radiation power and are divided into five classes: A, B, C, M, and X, starting from the weakest to the strongest. Class A0.0 corresponds to 10 nanowatts per square meter in Earth's orbit, and each subsequent class implies a tenfold increase in power.
A-class flares are the weakest and have no noticeable impact on Earth.
B-class flares are also considered insignificant and are barely noticeable compared to background solar radiation.
C-class flares are minor emissions that do not affect our planet.
M-class flares are medium-power flares capable of causing temporary radio disturbances in Arctic regions and minor radiation storms that may pose a danger to astronauts.
Finally, X-class flares are the most powerful flares that can cause prolonged radiation storms affecting satellites, communication systems, and even ground technologies and power grids.
In the lead-up to this flare, three strong flares were recorded on the Sun within a day: levels M3.3, M5.0, and M1.6.
