On May 12, 2025, the Sun emitted an M1.9 class solar flare, a moderate-sized eruption, recorded at 3:01 Moscow time. The flare originated from sunspot group 4079 (N08W89) and lasted for approximately 11 minutes.
The Institute of Applied Geophysics (IPG) anticipates continued moderate solar flare activity, with the potential for additional M-class flares. Unstable conditions in Earth's magnetic field and disruptions to shortwave radio communications are also possible.
Solar flares are categorized by their X-ray emission strength into classes A, B, C, M, and X, with X being the most powerful. M-class flares are significant as they can trigger magnetic storms on Earth. While solar flare activity in the first four months of 2025 was lower than in 2024, the number of magnetic storms has increased.