Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2013/05/14/triple_solar_flares/
Sun lets loose with THREE record eruptions in 24 hours
Excited boffins say star may even show off twin peaks
Posted in Science, 14th May 2013 12:18 GMT
The Sun looks like it's ramping up to its expected solar maximum this year, after it let loose three X-class solar flares in just 24 hours.
Our solar system's parent star lashed out late Sunday night and again on Monday with two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from its upper left side. The Sun followed that up on Monday night with a prominence eruption, where solar material blew off on its lower right side, but none of the flares were aimed towards Earth.
The Sun has experienced increased activity this month, signs that it's reaching the height of its solar maximum.
The star normally follows an 11-year cycle of activity with quiet years leading up to more active ones, and the current cycle is expected to reach its maximum strength this year.
The peak this year could be even more exciting than usual, as NASA has said that some forecasters reckon the Sun could rebound with a double-peaked maximum, which, although unexpected, has happened before. ®