The Sun is experiencing a rapid increase in activity

The Sun is undergoing dramatic changes. A new, large active region is rapidly forming on the northeastern edge of the Sun, where there were virtually no sunspots this morning. Against this backdrop, the solar X-ray flux has increased by approximately 500% since this morning and is currently approaching the M-class threshold. Strong flares are expected by the end of the day, and if the sunspot group continues to grow at the same rate, the first X-class flares may occur within the next 24 hours.

These changes could jeopardize the launch of the Artemis 2 lunar mission, scheduled for early February. The day before, NOAA announced its mandate to inform NASA about the possibility of solar radiation storms on the mission dates to make a launch decision, taking into account the risks to life and equipment. The final decision, however, will ultimately be made by NASA, taking all factors into account.