For the second time in a short period, a powerful flare was recorded on the far side of the Sun, as reported by the press service of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the IKI RAS.
According to data from coronagraphs, observations noted material scattering in different directions. The increase in radiation began around midnight Moscow time and reached an M3.3 level by 3:30 AM.
Scientists noted that this is the first M-class flare in 2026 and, accordingly, it is currently the most significant solar event of the year.
Astronomers clarified that the radiation from flares occurring on the far side of the Sun usually does not reach Earth; however, this time the source was right over the horizon, allowing it to be detected. Although it is impossible to measure the power of the event, specialists believe it likely exceeds the reported level significantly.
Earlier, on January 8, a large explosion was also recorded on the hidden side of the Sun. That day, astronomers reported that two weeks prior, when the far side of the Sun was facing Earth, there were only a few medium-sized active regions.
After the second flare, scientists noted that a large center of activity is observed on the far side, which produced two flares presumably belonging to the higher X-class. Specialists added that in the next two days, this area of the Sun will become visible from Earth, allowing for more detailed study.
