Powerful X-Class Solar Flares from Sunspot AR3664: Possible Sign of Upcoming Solar Storms

United States of America
A powerful X-class solar flare erupted from the sun on May 27, peaking at 3:08 a.m. EDT (0708 GMT).
AR3664 was responsible for the first G5 geomagnetic storm since 2003 in May 2024.
Sunspots, like AR3664, can impact technology and infrastructure on Earth.
The May 10 G5 geomagnetic storm was one of the most powerful in recent centuries.
The sunspot group AR3664 is responsible for the epic May 2024 solar storms and widespread auroras.
X-class solar flares are the most powerful and are categorized by strength with numbers from 1-10.
Powerful X-Class Solar Flares from Sunspot AR3664: Possible Sign of Upcoming Solar Storms

The colossal sunspot group AR3664 responsible for the epic May 2024 solar storms and widespread auroras is back — well, almost.

Yesterday (May 27), a powerful X-class solar flare erupted from the sun's southeastern limb, peaking around 3:08 a.m. EDT (0708 GMT). Solar flares are energetic eruptions of electromagnetic radiation from the sun's surface that occur when magnetic energy accumulating in the solar atmosphere is released. They are categorized by size into lettered groups, with X-class being the most powerful. Within each class, numbers from 1-10 (and beyond for X-class flares) describe a flare's relative strength.

Related: We may have just witnessed some of this sunspot group's most powerful effects, as it was responsible for the first G5 geomagnetic storm since 2003 in May 2024. Sunspots are regions on the sun's surface with reduced temperature caused by magnetic field activity, making them prone to solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

G5 geomagnetic storms occur roughly once per decade and represent the strongest category of geomagnetic storms. The May 10 storm was the first G5 geomagnetic storm since 2003 and one of the most powerful in recent centuries. Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the sun's surface, but their effects can be felt for years to come, as they can impact technology and infrastructure on Earth.

Sunspot AR3664 was last seen causing a historic aurora that was visible in all 50 states for the first time in decades. The sun rotates on its axis like Earth does, and sunspot AR3664 has spent the past few weeks on the far side of the sun that faces away from our planet, but is just now rotating back into view from our vantage point. It seems like AR3664 still has some steam after its travels, and another sunspot, AR3691, is also growing and developing X-flare potential as its firing line approaches Earth.

All of this points to the possibility of another powerful solar storm in the near future. No official forecasts have been put out yet, but scientists will be closely watching the sun's activity in the coming weeks to determine if another storm is on the horizon. If so, it could bring more blackouts and auroras, but also pose risks to technology and infrastructure on Earth. In any case, we can expect more exciting discoveries and insights about our sun and its impact on Earth as we observe these powerful solar events.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are there any non-peer reviewed studies that could generate major doubt about the accuracy of this article?

Sources

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Solar Storm Threat Is Back as Giant Sunspot Cluster Reappears

Gizmodo Passant Rabie Tuesday, 28 May 2024 15:10
  • Unique Points
    • A giant sunspot cluster named AR3664 is visible again and still emitting radiation into space after causing the strongest geomagnetic storm in over 20 years.
    • Sunspot AR3664 was responsible for an X1.1 solar flare that caused a geomagnetic storm between May 10 to 12, leading to disruptions in the power grid and radio blackouts.
    • AR3664 is now gradually turning to face Earth again and may result in another solar storm if it continues releasing charged particles from the Sun's surface.
  • Accuracy
    • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center recorded a solar flare erupting from the Sun on Monday, classified as a strong X2.8.
    • NOAA warned that charged particles from the Sun could reach Earth, possibly causing more disruptions and auroras.
    • The last time AR3664 was visible, it had grown to nearly 124,300 miles (200,000 kilometers) and was one of the most active regions on the Sun during this current solar cycle.
    • AR3664 is now gradually turning to face Earth again and may result in another solar storm if it continues releasing charged particles from the Sun’s surface.
    • The G5-rated geomagnetic storm that occurred earlier this month led to auroras across the night skies around much of the world but also caused disruptions in power grid and other technologies.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes several statements that are factual and do not contain any fallacies. However, there is an instance of an appeal to authority when the author quotes Ryan French's statement about the potential for another solar storm. This reduces the score slightly but does not result in a significant number of fallacies.
    • An X2.8 flare seen erupting from the Sun on May 27, 2024.Image: NOAA
    • If the sunspot continues to release charged particles from the Sun's surface, it may result in another solar storm.
    • We may be treated to more auroras in the coming weeks, but hopefully the Sun won't mess with our precious technology too much.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Colossal X-class solar flare suggests return of sunspot group that fueled May's epic auroras (video)

Space.com Daisy Dobrijevic Tuesday, 28 May 2024 12:46
  • Unique Points
    • A powerful X-class solar flare, peaking around 3:08 a.m. EDT (0708 GMT) on May 27, 2024, erupted from the sun’s southeastern limb.
    • The sunspot group AR3664 is responsible for the recent X-class solar flare and was last observed causing widespread auroras in May 2024.
    • AR3664 is currently located just beyond the sun’s southeastern limb, as per data from spaceweather.com.
    • The X-flare clocked in at an X-2.9 according to Spaceweatherlive.com.
    • AR3664 is the most active sunspot group of the current solar cycle and has a history of producing powerful solar flares.
    • When AR3664 rotates back into view, it will take on a new identity and be renamed by scientists.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by stating that scientists can track the sunspot's progress across the sun using helioseismology data and a map from spaceweather.com. She also states that AR3664 is the culprit of the recent X-flare due to its penchant for X-flares and its location in relation to yesterday's explosive solar flare eruption.
    • ][The colossal sunspot group AR3664 responsible for the epic May 2024 solar storms and widespread auroras is back ][][scientists can track the sunspot]['s progress across the sun][by observing how it affects the sun]['s vibrations or seismic echoes, using helioseismology data]. One full rotation of the sun takes 27 days. A map from spaceweather.com tracking the current location of AR3664 places it just beyond the sun]['s southeastern limb, where the X-flare originated. Considering AR3664]['s penchant for X-flares and that it had been observed in the vicinity of yesterday]['s explosive solar flare eruption, it seems a reasonable deduction that AR3664 is the culprit.][]
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Another powerful solar storm could be headed our way — bringing blackouts, auroras and more

New York Post Ben Cost Wednesday, 29 May 2024 01:13
  • Unique Points
    • A solar storm caused by sunspot AR3664, which generated a powerful X2.8 class solar flare, is heading towards Earth.
    • The upcoming geomagnetic storm could potentially cause blackouts and trigger northern lights or aurora borealis.
    • Last week, AR3664 produced an X12-class solar flare, causing a huge coronal mass ejection.
    • The geomagnetic projectiles from the sun will be most visible in the nights before and after June 6.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    No formal fallacies found. However, there is an example of inflammatory rhetoric and a potential appeal to authority. The inflammatory rhetoric can be seen in the opening sentence: 'Future’s so bright, gotta wear shades.' This phrase suggests that the situation is severe and requires immediate attention. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority in the quote from solar physicist Ryan French: 'As soon as the sunspot starts to appear, we will enter the window of opportunity [for viewing auroras].' This statement presents an expert opinion on when best to view auroras but does not directly relate to any potential dangers posed by the solar storm. The article also mentions that a previous solar storm had a G5 rating, which is described as 'the highest level on the geomagnetic storm scale.' While this fact provides context for readers, it could be interpreted as an attempt to exaggerate the severity of the situation.
    • Future’s so bright, gotta wear shades.
    • As soon as the sunspot starts to appear, we will enter the window of opportunity [for viewing auroras].
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Historic Aurora-Causing Sunspot Returns

Newsweek LLC Jess Thomson Tuesday, 28 May 2024 12:34
  • Unique Points
    • A large sunspot, AR3664, caused widespread aurorae across the globe on May 10, 2023.
    • AR3664 was around 15 times as wide as Earth when it triggered a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
    • The May 10 storm was the first G5 geomagnetic storm since 2003 and one of the most powerful in recent centuries.
    • Sunspots are regions on the sun’s surface with reduced temperature caused by magnetic field activity, making them prone to solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
    • G5 geomagnetic storms occur roughly once per decade and represent the strongest category of geomagnetic storms.
  • Accuracy
    • AR3664 is rotating back toward Earth and could lead to more uncommonly widespread northern lights by the end of the week.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Sunspot That Unleashed Historic Auroras And Solar Storm Back With More

Forbes Magazine Eric Mack Monday, 27 May 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Sunspot AR3664, which was responsible for a G4 Geostorm on Earth in May 2024, has rotated back into view on the surface of the sun and already unleashed an X2.8 flare.
    • Another sunspot, AR3691, is also growing and developing X-flare potential as its firing line approaches Earth.
  • Accuracy
    • Sunspot AR3664 is responsible for a G4 Geostorm on Earth in May 2024.
    • A giant sunspot cluster named AR3664 is visible again and still emitting radiation into space after causing the strongest geomagnetic storm in over 20 years.
    • AR3664 was responsible for an X1.1 solar flare that caused a geomagnetic storm between May 10 to 12, leading to disruptions in the power grid and radio blackouts.
    • A powerful X-class solar flare, peaking around 3:08 a.m. EDT (0708 GMT) on May 27, 2024, erupted from the sun’s southeastern limb.
    • AR3664 is currently located just beyond the sun’s southeastern limb.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author uses inflammatory language to describe the solar activity as 'historic' and 'powerful' without providing any evidence or context for why these terms are appropriate. This is an example of hyperbole. The author also makes a prediction about future solar activity without providing any evidence or reasoning, which is an example of a crystal ball fallacy.
    • This sunspot, responsible for a G4 Geostorm on Earth the last time this magnitude happened was 20 years ago in Charlotte NC, United States on May 10, 2024.
    • We could be in store for an encore of what was seen on May 10 in the next week or two.
    • If Monday’s X-flare is any indication, there’s more excitement to come.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication