The Sun emitted two strong solar flares on 29 and 27 May, showing how activity continues to ramp up as our host star reaches the peak of its solar cycle.
Both flares were seen by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which orbits Earth and studies the Sun in detail.
On 27 May 2024, a strong solar flare was captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, peaking at 03:08 EDT (07:08 UTC).
This was an X2.8 flare, which is a classification denoting the flare's strength.
X-class indicates the most intense flares and the number provides more information about its strength.
Another flare was spotted by the Solar Dynamics Observatory on 29 May 2024.
This flare peaked at 10:37 EDT (14:37 UTC) and was also captured by the SDO probe.
This was an X1.4 flare, so not as strong as the 27 May flare, but still classified as among the most intense solar flares produced by the Sun.
These flares follow solar flares on 8 and 9 May 2024 captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Heightened solar activity
All eyes are on the Sun at the moment, as the Sun appears to be approaching the peak of its solar cycle.
The solar cycle is the name given to the pattern of peaks and troughs of solar activity in the form of coronal mass ejections, sunspots and solar flares.
At times the Sun is quiet, with little or no apparent activity on its surface.
But then, once every 11 years or so, activity ramps up and solar scientists record many more of these energetic outbursts from the Sun.
The Sun is currently in Solar Cycle 25 and is set to approach its peak over the next year or so.
These outbursts can cause incredible aurora displays on Earth, like the amazing aurora of 10 May 2024.
NASA captured multiple solar flares in the run-up to the 10 May aurora display, and its Earth-observation satellite captured a view of the May 2024 aurora from space.
Both solar observers and aurora chasers are currently keeping an eye on solar activity in anticipation of the next geomagnetic storm.
