Study Suggests Sun May Be Overdue for a Rare Superflare

New research indicates superflares on stars like the Sun occur more frequently than previously thought, potentially posing risks to Earth's infrastructure.

• Astronomers analyzed data from over 56,000 Sun-like stars using NASA's Kepler telescope and found superflares occur approximately once every 100 years per star.
• Superflares are vastly more powerful than typical solar flares, emitting up to 10,000 times more radiation and potentially causing significant damage to modern technology.
• The Carrington Event of 1859, the strongest recorded solar storm, was far less intense than a superflare but still disrupted telegraph systems worldwide.
• Scientists caution that while the Sun may be capable of producing superflares, differences between the Sun and studied stars mean predictions remain uncertain.
• Efforts are underway to improve solar event forecasting, including the European Space Agency's Vigil probe, set to launch in 2031, to better prepare for potential impacts.

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