The Sun unleashed a powerful X1.1 solar flare on Monday, according to Russian solar researchers. This intense burst of energy, recorded at 08:01 Moscow time (0501 GMT), lasted approximately 15 minutes. The Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences described the flare as short and impulsive, indicating a low likelihood of a strong plasma ejection towards Earth. Initial observations reveal some material rising, but experts assure that the chances of it impacting Earth from the observed angle are minimal. Researchers are now diligently examining whether any plasma was expelled and the direction of its potential movement. Solar flares, classified by their peak X-ray brightness into A, B, C, M, and X classes, with X being the most powerful, can significantly affect radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
