The most powerful radiation storm in a quarter century has been recorded near Earth

For the first time in two solar cycles, a level S4 radiation storm has begun in the vicinity of Earth. This was reported by the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in their Telegram channel.

"The flow of solar protons has exceeded 10,000 units! For the first time in the last two solar cycles, a level S4 radiation storm is occurring in the vicinity of Earth! Level S5 exists only theoretically and has never been reached in the modern history of observations," the message states.

The IKI RAS added that the record radiation storm still remains the phenomenon recorded in the last century. According to scientists, the flow of solar protons then was about 40 thousand units.

Several hours earlier, a strong flare of the penultimate class M occurred on the Sun. According to IKI RAS, the phenomenon of level M1.20 was recorded at 14:19. Also, on January 19, a C2.83 level flare occurred. It reached its maximum at 15:27.