A recent study led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research indicates that sun-like stars may experience powerful superflares approximately once every century. This finding raises concerns about the potential for similar events occurring on our own sun.
Superflares are intense solar explosions that can release energy up to ten thousand times greater than typical solar flares. The research analyzed brightness measurements from 56,000 sun-like stars observed by the Kepler space telescope, identifying 2,889 superflares across 2,527 stars. The results were published in the journal Science.
Lead author Valeriy Vasilyev stated that the frequency of these superflares was surprising, as previous studies suggested much longer intervals. The implications of such events could be severe, potentially disrupting satellite communications and power grids on Earth.
In the event of a superflare, an initial burst of X-ray and ultraviolet radiation would impact the ionosphere, disrupting satellite navigation. This would be followed by high-energy protons that could further damage satellites. A significant coronal mass ejection could lead to geomagnetic storms, similar to the 1989 blackout in Quebec.
While the study does not predict when a superflare might occur, it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks posed by solar activity. Co-author Natalie Krivova emphasized that extreme solar events are part of the sun's natural behavior.
Historically, the Carrington event of 1859 caused widespread disruption to telegraph systems, demonstrating the potential impact of solar storms. Today, satellites used for communications, navigation, and weather monitoring are particularly vulnerable to such phenomena.