Sergey Bogachev, head of the solar astronomy laboratory at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS), announced a sharp monthly increase in the Sun`s activity index.
“The F10.7 solar cycle index measurements for the past September revealed unexpectedly high values,” Bogachev stated. “The monthly average significantly and unpredictably surged to 201 units. This level exceeds the peak of the previous 24th cycle, which registered 170 in 2014, and is only 18% below the current cycle`s peak of 245 units recorded in August 2024.”
Bogachev pointed out a turning point in the cycle`s progression. The index values reached their lowest point in June and have been steadily climbing ever since. Initially, this growth was moderate, and scientists viewed it as a natural recovery of parameters that had fallen below predictions to their expected levels. However, the abrupt jump of nearly 50 units from August (156) to September (201) was quite unforeseen.
Despite this, the number of sunspots on the Sun has not shown a similar dynamic, remaining consistent with forecasts. While the star`s activity increased in September, leading to five magnetic storms (compared to just one in August), it still fell short of last year`s figures. Notably, no X-class solar flares, which are the most powerful type, have been registered on the Sun over the past three months.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth