Solar activity spots capable of producing X-class flares have been discovered.

      August 2, 2025, 13:00 [163]

      Science

      Scientists forecast an increased likelihood of major solar flares of M and X classes for the upcoming weekend. This was reported by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of IKI RAN and ISZF SB RAS.

      According to researchers, the heightened solar activity is related to the appearance of two new active regions on the visible side of the Sun, identified by sunspot groupings.

      One of them, numbered 4167, is rapidly developing and is nearly directly aligned along the "Sun–Earth" line. If the growth of this region continues at the same pace for at least the next two days, it could develop into a large active center capable of producing the highest-class X flares.

      The second region, 4166, formed earlier but is developing more slowly. Scientists believe that the potential risks associated with this zone are significantly lower.

      Experts also noted that the simultaneous formation of two active regions far apart from each other could indicate the beginning of a global increase in solar activity.

      For reference: solar flares are classified according to the X-ray radiation scale—from classes A to X. Each subsequent level signifies a tenfold increase in intensity. Powerful flares may be accompanied by solar plasma eruptions, which, upon reaching Earth, can cause magnetic storms.

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