NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a rare and breathtaking event on Tuesday as the sun unleashed an exceptionally rare “quadruple” solar flare. The eruption, which occurred almost simultaneously from four different points on the sun’s surface, has left scientists in awe.
This unique event was caused by sunspots and a magnetic filament located in between them. The blast sites, separated by hundreds of thousands of miles, covered a third of the solar surface facing Earth. Known as a sympathetic solar flare, this type of eruption happens when sunspots or filaments are linked by massive magnetic field loops.
What makes this event even more remarkable is the fact that it is considered a “super-sympathetic” flare due to the unusual number of linked flares. While the combined power of the blast is still unknown, there is a possibility that some debris could be heading towards Earth.
If confirmed, this debris would most likely be a coronal mass ejection that could impact Earth in the coming days. This could trigger auroras near the magnetic poles, creating a stunning visual display for skywatchers.
This is the third sympathetic solar flare of 2024, following explosions in January and March. Researchers believe that sympathetic solar flares are more likely to occur during solar maximum, the most active phase of the sun’s solar cycle. Some even speculate that the explosive peak of the solar cycle may have begun earlier than anticipated.
As scientists continue to study this rare event, astronomers and space enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the potential impact of this quadruple solar flare on Earth’s atmosphere. Keep an eye on the night sky for possible auroras in the coming days.
