A powerful solar flare that occurred in 2026 has triggered a magnetic storm on Earth, which has already reached a level of G4.7 and is poised to escalate to the highest level G5, according to information from RIA Novosti, citing the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists warn: "If the parameters of the solar wind remain unchanged, the transition to level G5 could occur within one to two hours."
The event began the night before when a plasma stream ejected from the Sun after the strongest flare of this year reached our planet.
The flare recorded on Sunday was the first in 2026 and was classified as X1.95. The laboratory noted that the level of solar protons near Earth reached record values for the past 20 years, with the last similar case observed on October 29, 2003, before the largest magnetic storm of the 21st century.
Solar flares are classified by the intensity of X-ray emissions into five categories: A, B, C, M, and X. These phenomena can cause magnetic storms on Earth, leading to disruptions in power systems and affecting the migratory paths of birds and animals. Strong magnetic storms can also cause problems with shortwave communication, navigation systems, and lead to voltage fluctuations in industrial networks. Additionally, solar activity can expand the areas where auroras are observed. The question of the impact of magnetic storms on human health remains open.
