High intensity explosion on the Sun is detected by scientists

Solar activity has continued to be intense in recent days with several eruptions being recorded by scientists. On Saturday (4), a powerful X1.3 class explosion occurred in a Sunspot region called 4482.

The information is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the United States.

Class X indicates the most intense eruptions, while the number provides more information about their strength.

On June 30, an explosion of intensity X1.1 was also detected.

In recent days, solar storms generated by the coronal mass ejection have reached Earth, with intensity varying between moderate and greater.

Class X1.3 eruption (highlighted above) occurred in a Sunspot region called 4482 - NASA
NOAA is still studying the effects of Saturday's explosion (4), to calculate whether what happened will cause new storms towards Earth.

Solar storms when heading towards Earth can affect the electrical grid, drag satellites into low orbit and cause confusion in the GPS system. Furthermore, it is a deadly threat to astronauts who are on the International Space Station, consequently exposed to solar radiation.

What is a solar flare
Solar flares are common and occur several times a year, although a series of strong X-class flares over a few days is rarely observed.

They are part of solar activity. The Sun has magnetic activity, and these eruptions happen with a certain frequency. This happens particularly when the Sun is most active.

Illustration shows the effect of radiation from a solar storm towards Earth - Nasa
The Sun is governed by a cycle, which lasts an average of 11 years. During this period, the star's magnetic field reverses, causing variations, such as visible spots and eruptions.

Solar flares can have different classes. X - which can vary from X.1 upwards (X.2, X.3...) - is the most severe, with the potential to affect satellites in Earth's orbit.

See the table below:

- Class X - These are the most severe, of great magnitude, and can interfere with communications and contain a large amount of radiation. Generates intense auroras. The numbers may vary, from X.1 to

Source: CNN