Over 100 new sunspots recorded in 24 hours

At least 100 new sunspots have appeared on the Sun over the past 24 hours, Russia’s Space Research Institute Solar Astronomy Laboratory reported.

Scientists said conflicting signals from space and ground-based observations make forecasts of solar activity for the next day uncertain. While the large number of spots indicates significant energy reserves, the frequency of flares has recently decreased.

Researchers suggest the Sun may be shifting into an energy accumulation mode for major eruptions, which could bring strong solar storms in the near future. An alternative, more optimistic scenario is that after six days of heightened activity, the star has exhausted its explosive energy and is beginning to cool down.