Four solar flares of the second-highest M-class intensity were recorded on the Sun, according to the Fedorov Institute of Applied Geophysics, as reported by TASS.

The first flare was detected on the night of February 7 in sunspot group 3984 (N12W35) in the X-ray range. It was classified as M2.3 and lasted for 27 minutes.

Later, scientists recorded three more flares in active region 3981:

  • M1.6
  • M1.1
  • M3.2

How Are Solar Flares Classified?

Solar flares are categorized into five classes based on their X-ray radiation intensity: A, B, C, M, and X.

  • The weakest A0.0 flares emit about 10 nanowatts per square meter.
  • Each subsequent letter represents a tenfold increase in intensity.
  • M-class flares are the second most powerful, just below the strongest X-class flares.