A powerful solar flare, accompanied by a significant plasma ejection directed towards Earth, has been recorded on the Sun. Experts from the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences estimate that this plasma cloud will reach our planet in approximately 2.5 days.
This flare, classified as M1.5, marks the first confirmed event of its kind with a direct Earth-bound ejection during the current solar activity cycle, which began in late September – early October. Previous plasma ejections observed recently were not directed towards Earth. The announcement from the Laboratory`s Telegram channel specified that the event was registered «about an hour ago.»
The flare originated from active region 4232, currently the largest observable on the Sun. Its present position is precisely aligned with the Sun-Earth line, making it highly improbable for the plasma cloud to miss our planet, as noted by the scientists.
However, scientists acknowledge a slight possibility that the plasma might not achieve sufficient velocity (a minimum of 600 km/s) to fully detach from the Sun. Precise speed measurement from current telescopic observations is challenging. More definitive data regarding the movement of the ejected material is expected within a few hours from solar coronagraphs, which will either confirm or deny the presence of the ejected matter in the Sun`s vicinity.
Based on visual observations, the event is considered significant. If the plasma cloud maintains its trajectory towards Earth, it is projected to arrive on the afternoon of October 5th.
