Giant plasma ejection recorded on the Sun: possible consequences for the Earth

Solar activity again reminded of itself: in the morning a large-scale ejection of plasma from the visible side of the Sun was recorded. The prominence, which is about one million kilometers long, attracted the attention of scientists not only for its size, but also for its unusual structure, which resembles a rotating tornado.

According to laboratories specializing in solar astronomy, the flare occurred between 3: 00 and 7: 00 Moscow time. During the ejection, a giant cloud of hot plasma was sent into space. Video recording of the event allowed astronomers to visualize the structure of the ejection: it took the form of a swirling spiral stream rotating in space.

Physicists attribute this phenomenon to the preliminary twisting of magnetic lines of force in the prominence structure. This shape is explained by the fact that before ejection into the upper layers of the solar atmosphere, the magnetic field is deformed and forms a "magnetic rope". As it rises, the structure "unwinds", causing eddy movements of plasma in the surrounding space.

Of particular concern is the location of the prominence: the ejection occurred on the side of the Sun facing directly towards the Earth. This increases the probability that some of the ejected plasma and the associated magnetic field disturbance will reach Earth's orbit.

At this stage, experts continue to analyze data from solar coronagraphs and satellites that observe solar activity. It is these data that will allow us to determine whether a coronal mass ejection is accompanied by a coronal mass ejection and how much it can affect the Earth's magnetosphere. The results of the analysis are expected within the next few hours.

Such solar emissions can cause geomagnetic storms that can affect the operation of satellites, communication systems, navigation and power grids. If a high level of activity is confirmed, auroras at lower latitudes are also possible.

The intensity and frequency of such phenomena increase during the maximum solar cycle, which, according to astrophysicists, falls in 2025. The increase in solar activity requires increased attention to space weather — both from the scientific community and from operators of critical infrastructure on Earth.