The Sun regularly releases powerful eruptions in space, but the frequency of these eruptions varies depending on the stage of the solar cycle. The solar cycle is a roughly 11-year cycle in which the Sun’s magnetic field undergoes a complete reversal. During the solar maximum, which occurs about every 11 years, the Sun is more active and produces more frequent and powerful eruptions.
The most common type of eruption on the Sun is a solar flare, which is a sudden burst of energy that occurs when magnetic fields in the Sun’s atmosphere are rearranged. Solar flares can release massive amounts of energy and heat, and can send bursts of charged particles into space.
Huge solar eruption took place on March 12
The Sun has been erupting with powerful flares and coronal mass ejections due to its magnetic field reversing polarity every 11 years, leading to increased activity during the solar maximum. The recent eruption on March 12 was particularly intense, with material accelerating towards Earth despite happening on the far side of the Sun, according to ScienceAlert. This eruption was detected by several spacecraft, including the Parker Solar Probe, which will provide data on the event after a close flyby. Solar scientists are keen to study these phenomena further to better understand the Sun’s.
Solar eruptions can have a range of effects on Earth, including creating auroras, disrupting satellite and communication systems, and potentially causing power outages. Therefore, scientists study the Sun and its activity to better understand these phenomena and to develop strategies to mitigate their effects.
An interesting fact about the Sun is that it accounts for 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System, with Jupiter, the largest planet, comprising most of the remaining mass. Despite being over 100 times larger than the Earth in diameter, the Sun is considered an average-sized star compared to the other stars in the universe.