On October 3, 2024, at 16:18 p.m. Italian time, the Sun experienced the most intense flare of the current solar cycle, the 25th, with a Class X 9.1 eruption, significantly larger than the Class X 7.1 eruption recorded between October 1 and 2. This intense solar activity has led to the expectation of a Class G3 geomagnetic storm with a peak expected for Sunday, October 6. Here are the details of theNorthern Lights in Italy.
Northern Lights in Italy, the flares
I solar flares are classified according to the power of the X-rays they emit: classes range from A, the weakest, to X, the most energetic. Each class has subcategories from 1 to 9, but Class X has no upper limit. The most powerful flare ever recorded was X 45 in 2003.
These events release huge amounts of energy, comparable to thousands of atomic bombs.
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Often, flares are accompanied by coronal mass ejections, charged particles that, once they reach Earth, can cause geomagnetic storms, classified from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
A G4 storm is expected today, October 3, which could intensify to a G4, leading to the possible visibility of auroras also in Italy.
Towards the peak of the solar cycle
Geomagnetic activity is measured by the Kp index, which indicates the strength of solar storms. Values between 5 and 9 are considered particularly high and can favor the appearance of polar auroras even at unusual latitudes, such as those in Italy.
During a Class G4 storm, like the one that occurred in May, spectacular auroras were visible in several parts of Italy. The astronomy enthusiasts should keep an eye on the Kp index, because values above 7 could indicate the possibility of seeing auroras in our country too.
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The Sun is in a very active phase of its solar cycle, which lasts 11 years, with the maximum peak expected between the end of 2024 and July 2025. This means that in the coming months we could witness other flares of considerable intensity.
The geomagnetic storm expected until 6 October 2024 could bring surprises, including the possibility of admiring spectacular auroras also in Italy, especially in the northern regions. The current solar cycle seems destined to offer other extraordinary events.