An X8.1 flare marks the strongest solar eruption since October 2024

Three X-class solar eruptions occurred between late February 1 and early February 2, including the strongest solar flare in nearly four months, according to the National Space Weather Monitoring and Warning Center under the China Meteorological Administration.

The most intense event – an X8.1 flare that erupted at around 8 a.m. on Sunday – was the strongest solar flare recorded so far this year and the most powerful since October 2024, the center said.

Solar flares are among the most intense forms of solar activity, marked by a sudden brightening in active regions of the sun's atmosphere. Such events often involve bursts of radiation and particles, with a rapid rise and slower decline in brightness.

The recent flares originated from an active region on the sun's northeastern surface, designated Active Region 14366. The region has expanded rapidly over the past three days, reaching an area of about 550 microhenry, and may produce further eruptions, the center said.

Solar flares are classified into five categories – A, B, C, M and X – with X-class flares being the most powerful and capable of disrupting aviation, communications and navigation systems.

Solar activity over the next three days is expected to remain at moderate to high levels, with a possibility of M-class or stronger flares. Geomagnetic conditions are likely to remain mostly quiet, with possible minor ionospheric disturbances, according to the center.

On January 19, the sun produced an X1.9 flare, the first X-class event recorded in 2026.