Superflares on stars like the Sun detected more often than previously thought

Scientists recently discovered that stars similar to the Sun have the potential to produce extreme energy explosions, known as superflares, much more frequently than previously thought. These phenomena, which release incredible amounts of energy, could have far-reaching consequences, especially on planets like Earth.

What are superflares and why are they important?

Superflares are solar explosions that release energy many times greater than that produced by the most powerful solar flare ever recorded. On average, their energy exceeds a quadrillion joules, making them among the most powerful natural phenomena in the universe. Although rare, such events could have serious impacts on surrounding planets, including the potential disruption of atmospheric and technological systems.

Previous Research and New Discoveries

Previous studies estimated that superflares occur once every thousand or ten thousand years per star. However, an analysis of data from NASA's Kepler telescope, which observed over 56,000 stars with characteristics similar to the Sun, has yielded surprising results. Researchers identified nearly 2,900 superflares across more than 2,500 stars, suggesting these events occur approximately once every hundred years per star.

"These results significantly change our understanding of solar activity in stars similar to our Sun," said Prof. Dr. Alexander Shapiro, one of the study's authors. The team applied rigorous methods to eliminate potential errors, such as interference from cosmic radiation and incorrect attribution of sudden changes in brightness to other stars.

How do superflares affect Earth?

Although our Sun has not yet produced a known superflare, evidence from geological records suggests that intense solar eruptions may have impacted the planet in the past. For example, high levels of the radioactive carbon-14 isotope, found in tree rings and ice cores, are associated with possible extreme solar events. Such events could cause significant problems in modern technological systems, including satellite communications, electrical grids, and global navigation systems.

Understanding Magnetic Dynamics

Superflares occur due to sudden changes in the magnetic fields of stars. When magnetic lines of opposite directions suddenly reconnect, an enormous amount of energy is released. These processes are similar to those that drive smaller solar flares, but on a much larger scale. High-resolution simulations have shown that stars with strong magnetic fields are more likely to produce superflares.

Future Risks and Preparations

The most famous example of intense solar activity is the Carrington Event of 1859, which caused significant disruptions in telegraph systems. Today, a similar event could cause far greater damage due to our dependence on sensitive technologies. By comparison, the energy released during the Carrington Event was only a fraction of the energy of an average superflare.

Given the potential consequences, scientists are working on the development of early warning systems. ESA's upcoming Vigil project will be crucial for monitoring solar activity. This space telescope will be placed in an orbital position that allows it to detect potential threats more quickly.

While the future of solar activity remains unpredictable, new insights into the frequent occurrence of superflares on stars similar to the Sun highlight the need for further research and preparation. Understanding these phenomena is essential for protecting our technological progress and maintaining the stability of global systems in the face of extreme space weather conditions.