A significant solar flare, categorized as M2.4 in magnitude, erupted from the Sun on Monday, according to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The flare peaked at 07:35 Moscow time (04:35 GMT), following an initial detection around 08:00 Moscow time (05:00 GMT), the institute reported. The event was described as “unexpected” given the Sun’s recent period of exceptionally low activity, with flare activity remaining near a flatline throughout the weekend.
Despite the flare’s strength, experts have stated that it does not pose a threat to Earth. The emitted plasma is reportedly directed away from our planet.
The origin of the flare is proving difficult to pinpoint, as it appears to have originated on the far side of the Sun, just beyond the visible horizon. Researchers are currently working to identify the sunspot group responsible for the eruption.