The sunspot region responsible for the glorious auroras that shimmered over most of Earth in early May is back, and it’s still engaging in shenanigans. Known previously as AR 3664, this region was behind several X-class flares, including the most powerful of the current solar cycle. After rotating away from view onto the far side of the Sun in the middle of May, it re-emerged in style with a brand new name – AR 3697.
On May 27, AR 3697 erupted with another powerful X-class flare, this time an X 2.8. Since then, it has continued its activity, producing four more X-class flares, bringing the total to five as of the latest reports.
The sequence of events began on May 29 with an X1.45 flare, followed by an X1.1 flare on May 31. On June 1, AR 3697 unleashed two more flares, an X1.03 and an X1.4.
However, while these flares are impressive, they are not expected to lead to the same level of solar storms observed in early May. So far, there have been no reports of accompanying coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive expulsions of solar plasma and magnetic fields. CMEs produce auroras when they collide with Earth’s magnetosphere.
One notable difference with the current activity is that AR 3697 is now positioned closer to the center of the Sun’s disk. This means that any eruptions are more likely to be directed towards Earth. Although there’s no guarantee of CME activity, the chances are higher than average.
Additionally, we are currently approaching or already in the peak of the Sun’s 11-year activity cycle. This suggests that even if AR 3697 has already given us its best shot, there could be another sunspot region developing that will provide another spectacular light show in the months ahead.
As astronomers continue to monitor AR 3697 and its activity, scientists and space enthusiasts alike eagerly await further developments and the potential for more stunning auroras to grace the skies.