A giant spot has appeared on the Sun — it could cause a magnetic storm.

      A giant group of sunspots, numbered 4478, continues to grow on the Sun. Its area has reached 1550 units — the second highest in the last ten years. The only larger area was in May 2024, when the spots triggered the strongest magnetic storm in the last 20 years.

      Along with the main spot, a neighboring one — 4479 — is also growing. It is located about half a million kilometers from the main one. The Sun is literally "boiling" right now: flares are following one after another. However, as specialists note, despite the enormous size of the spots, the explosions are not as powerful as one might expect. The reason for this is still unclear.

      As early as tonight, the first plasma ejections may begin to reach Earth. Scientists from the solar astronomy laboratory of IKI RAN predict a magnetic storm of level G2–G3 — strong fluctuations that may affect the well-being of weather-sensitive individuals and the operation of satellites. Auroras are unlikely to occur — the nights are currently short and bright.

      However, this activity will not last long: the Sun is rotating, and the spots are gradually moving off the "Sun-Earth" line. By the weekend, they will be far enough away that even the most powerful flares will no longer be able to affect our planet. Today is likely the last day when serious consequences are possible.

      The day before, a flare of the highest class X1.1 occurred on the Sun. This is quite a rare event, but for such a large spot, it was classified as moderate.