Two powerful solar flares erupted on the Sun within a week, according to the National Solar Observatory (NSO). The first, a magnitude M7.6 flare, occurred on February 6 at 14:04 UTC in region 3981 (N05W16). The second, a magnitude M8.8 flare, occurred on February 3. Both flares were accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. These CMEs can have a significant impact on Earth's atmosphere and can disrupt radio communications and power grids.
The first flare lasted for 37 minutes and was associated with a strong solar earthquake, which is a seismic wave that travels through the Sun's interior. The second flare was even more powerful and lasted for 35 minutes. It was also associated with a solar earthquake, which was recorded by the NSO's Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) network of telescopes. The GONG network is a global array of telescopes that monitor the Sun's surface and interior. The network has been operating for over 25 years and has provided valuable insights into the Sun's internal structure and dynamics.
The two solar flares highlight the Sun's dynamic nature and its potential to impact Earth. The NSO and other space weather agencies are constantly monitoring the Sun for signs of activity and are working to improve our understanding of space weather events. This knowledge is crucial for protecting our infrastructure and astronauts from the Sun's potentially harmful radiation.