Khaberni - Scientists from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences detected a strong level (S4) radiation storm that began affecting the space environment surrounding Earth, a level that has not been recorded for more than two solar cycles.
The researchers explained that the flow of solar protons suddenly surged to exceed 10,000 units, confirming that this is the first time the storm has reached this high level (S4) in about two decades. Scientists classify level (S5) as a theoretical limit not recorded in modern observational history, while the historical record remains steadfast from the last century at about 40,000 units.
This cosmic disturbance follows a massive solar flare that occurred last Sunday, classified within the most severe (X) category. It is the first of its kind since the beginning of 2026, causing a sharp and sudden increase in the flow of charged particles, recording the highest rate in the last 10 years.
Experts at the laboratory pointed out that this event raises many scientific questions, as the overall solar activity still remains below the levels that explain such a violent radiation burst. The scientists described what happened as an "extremely rare coincidence," and a convergence of exceptional physical conditions that directed this stream of radiation directly towards our planet.
It is worth noting that solar activity is a natural cyclical process that the sun undergoes approximately every 11 years, currently known as Solar Cycle Number (25) which began in December 2019, and has now recorded an unexpected peak in its strength, proving to be the most turbulent and active cycle in decades.
