The Frequency of Solar Superflares

Recent observations reveal that solar superflares occur more frequently than previously thought. Research utilizing the Kepler telescope has tracked over 56,000 sun-like stars across 220,000 years, identifying 2,889 superflares from 2,527 stars.

This indicates an occurrence of approximately one superflare every century. Such events can severely disrupt telecommunications and power systems, as seen during the 1989 Canadian blackout and the 2022 crashes of Starlink satellites.

However, not all radiation bursts trigger geomagnetic storms, highlighting the complexity of these phenomena. To enhance predictive capabilities regarding these potentially hazardous eruptions, the European Space Agency is set to launch the Vigil solar probe in 2031. This initiative aims to provide crucial insights into solar activity and its impacts on our technologically reliant society.