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New Study Warns Our Sun Can Produce Massive Superflares

Reported by Aakash Bora (Staff Writer) · Google News - NZ Science ·

Unconfirmed — Reported by one source so far

Reported by one source so far

Worth knowing
New Study Warns Our Sun Can Produce Massive SuperflaresRepresentative image · Pexels

What Happened

A new scientific study shows that our Sun is physically able to produce massive energy bursts known as superflares. Max Planck researchers revealed in September 2026 that a large sunspot recorded in April 1947 had the rare potential to reach about 10 to the power of 34 erg. That specific sunspot covered about 0.6 percent of the solar disk and measured 40 Earth diameters across.

Impact

These extreme solar events could cause major disruptions. Researchers and forecasters are asking whether we need to worry about such powerful outbursts hitting Earth, given the potential damage to modern technology, power grids, and satellite communications.

ExplainerWhy this matters

What Happened

A recent scientific study indicates that our Sun can generate extreme solar outbursts called superflares, based on data from a massive sunspot recorded in April 1947.

Why It Matters

Superflares release energy far beyond normal solar flares. If a superflare struck Earth directly, it could severely damage global power grids, knock out satellite systems, and disrupt communication networks on a massive scale.

What Happens Next

Scientists will continue to study solar activity and historical sunspot data to better understand how often these extreme events might happen and how to protect vulnerable technology.

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