The Sun's powerful flare-up threatens Earth with a new cycle.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - An X1.2 solar flare is threatening the global power grid, potentially causing geomagnetic storms and auroras due to CME, occurring during the peak phase of solar cycle 25.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of a solar flare, appearing as a bright streak of light on the right, on May 13 (Photo: NASA).

On May 13th, solar observation systems recorded one of the most intense solar flares of the year so far, reaching X1.2 on the solar radiation scale.

This event occurred at 10:38 PM (Vietnam time) and was recorded by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and several other space observatories.

The emission zone has been identified as Active Zone 3685, located on the western edge of the Sun. Images provided by NASA show an extremely bright flash of light in this area, characteristic of X-class eruptions. This is the highest of the three classifications (C, M, and X) of solar radiation intensity.

X-class solar flares are known to be accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These are clouds of plasma containing billions of tons of matter from the Sun's outermost layers, capable of traveling at speeds of millions of kilometers per hour through interplanetary space.

If a CME were directed straight at Earth, it could cause a powerful geomagnetic storm, directly affecting power grids, satellites, GPS navigation, radio equipment, and potentially increasing the risk of radiation exposure for astronauts and passengers on polar flights.

Currently, scientists are still analyzing the trajectory of the CME in relation to the May 13 outbreak to determine its potential interaction with the Earth's magnetic field.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) warned that radio HF interference and signal degradation were observed in some areas, particularly those in daylight at the time of the event.

Notably, this event occurred as the Sun approached the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which began in late 2019.

According to NASA and international space research organizations, the peak phase is expected to reach its climax later this year, or early 2026. In recent months, the frequency of M and X-class flares, as well as CME events, has increased significantly – a typical feature of this phase in the 11-year cycle of solar activity.

One positive impact expected from this event is the possibility of aurora borealis appearing at lower latitudes than usual.

Therefore, if the CME is accompanied by a sufficiently strong geomagnetic storm and is directed straight towards Earth, the aurora borealis could be observed in many areas far from the two geomagnetic poles, offering a rare observation opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts.

Space and meteorological agencies are continuing to closely monitor the situation in order to provide timely warnings to telecommunications, transportation, and aviation systems.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/mat-troi-bung-phat-manh-me-de-doa-trai-dat-voi-chu-ky-moi-20250514082511747.htm