Scientists have uncovered alarming evidence that solar superflares, massive explosions of energy from the Sun, occur far more often than previously believed. These powerful outbursts could unleash devastating radiation storms capable of impacting life and technology on Earth. The study emphasizes the urgency of preparing for potential solar tantrums that could disrupt critical infrastructure and satellites.
What Are Solar Superflares?
Solar superflares are extraordinary bursts of energy released by the Sun, packing over one octillion joules of energy—the equivalent of 16 trillion trillion atomic bombs. These extreme events hurl radioactive particles into space and, occasionally, toward Earth. While Earth’s magnetic field provides some protection, a superflare could still have catastrophic effects.
The new research, published in Science, shows that these events might occur far more frequently than previously thought. Earlier estimates suggested superflares occurred every thousand to ten thousand years. However, the latest findings suggest that Sun-like stars experience superflares roughly once per century.
Historical Evidence of Solar Fury
The Sun’s most violent recorded outburst occurred in 775 AD, with at least eight other extreme solar particle events documented over the past 12,000 years. Evidence of these ancient solar tantrums was gathered from tree rings and glacial ice, where radioactive atoms left behind by superflares were detected.
To expand this understanding, researchers studied Sun-like stars in the universe, analyzing data collected by NASA’s Kepler space telescope between 2009 and 2013. Observing 56,450 stars over 220,000 years of combined evidence, scientists identified 2,889 superflares.
Why the Findings Are Concerning
The study reveals that Sun-like stars are surprisingly prone to frequent and intense superflares. “We were very surprised that Sun-like stars are prone to such frequent superflares,” said lead researcher Dr. Valeriy Vasilyev.
These findings suggest that the Sun might also be capable of producing more frequent and violent superflares than previously assumed. If a superflare were to strike Earth today, the consequences could be devastating.
Past Events and Potential Risks
One of the most intense solar storms recorded in recent history occurred in 1859. Known as the Carrington Event, it caused widespread disruption to the telegraph network across Europe and the United States. That storm, however, was only one-hundredth the energy of a typical superflare.
Read: Nickel Mining for Electric Vehicles Threatens Lives and Ecosystems in Indonesia
Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Research
To mitigate risks, researchers stress the need for improved monitoring and early warning systems. Upcoming missions, such as ESA’s Vigil probe set to launch in 2031, aim to provide advanced solar storm detection capabilities.
As scientists continue to uncover the mysteries of the Sun and its tantrums, understanding the frequency and magnitude of superflares becomes crucial. These insights can help humanity better prepare for potential disruptions from our fiery celestial neighbor.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
