Strongest Solar Flare Since Dec. 8 Erupts as Active Regions Rotate Into View
Scientists say Earth effects are unlikely over New Year due to the regions’ offset from the Sun–Earth line.
Overview
- An M5.1 flare was recorded on the Sun’s eastern limb early Dec. 27, with peak emission at 04:50 Moscow time.
- Researchers estimate the event reached about 50% of the threshold for an X‑class flare.
- The Dec. 27 and Dec. 8 flares likely originated from the same returning active region now coming back into view.
- Two active centers are projected to be in clear Earth-facing view around Dec. 30–31, with a potential flare uptick around the holidays.
- The large sunspot complex 4294/4296/4298 may reappear within about a day but could be smaller, and overall storm and bright aurora chances remain low.