A significant solar flare of class M6.7 was detected on the Sun. The event was documented by the X-ray Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences and by the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) within the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as reported by RIA News.
The solar eruption persisted from 06:54 to 08:15 Moscow time, with the peak brightness occurring at 07:38 Moscow time. Forecasts indicated that a magnetic storm was unlikely due to glare effects. Solar flares are categorized into five classes: A, B, C, M and X, with X representing the most powerful events.
Earlier reports noted that NASA’s NEOWISE mission could depart its current orbit in 2025 as solar activity continues to influence mission plans.
The WISE (Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer) instrument was launched in 2009 with the goal of mapping the universe in infrared light. In its early years, the mission faced a shutdown of two of its four detectors after coolant depletion, temporarily limiting its observational capabilities.
Following a multi-year pause, the probe redirected its focus to assessing space weather threats to Earth, and the mission was renamed NEOWISE to reflect this renewed purpose. Since 2013, the NEOWISE mission has contributed to the discovery of numerous comets and asteroids through infrared observations.
Earlier concerns mentioned a powerful solar flare reaching an X-class level, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes volatile nature of solar activity. “