There have been at least 17 solar eruptions from a single sunspot on the sun that have blasted into space in recent days, including some charged particles that may create a colorful sky show on Earth.
There have been flares on the sun since Monday. The stellar event may cause some moderate sky storms.
Sunspots are eruptions on the sun that occur when magnetic lines twist. These explosions can be associated with streams of charged particles that shoot into space. Stunning views of the solar eruptions were captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
The eruptions have thrown at least two, possibly three, CMEs toward Earth, according to SpaceWeather.com. According to the website, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration think the first of at least one other CME will arrive on Thursday.
The worst solar storms in history are related.
The particles are thought to generate G2 or G3 geomagnetic storms, although they are difficult to predict.
The sun is expected to be relatively quiet in the year 2022, as we are still towards the beginning of the 11-year solar cycle that began in December 2019. The cycle starts with fewer sunspots and eruptions. As we approach the peak, activity should increase.
Scientists are debating how strong this current solar cycle will be, although forecasts indicate that the average number of sunspots may be lower than usual.
NASA and other space agencies keep an eye on solar activity to improve solar weather predictions. A large flare towards Earth may cause problems such as damaging power lines or disabling satellites.
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