X-class solar flares hit a new record in 2024 and could spike further this year — but the sun isn't entirely to blame, experts say

A close up image of the sun's surface with added magnetic field lines.

The number of X-class solar flares — the most powerful and potentially dangerous class of solar eruption — hit a new record high in 2024. The spike highlights that we are currently experiencing a surprisingly active solar maximum, which could continue to intensify this year.

But solar activity may not be the only reason the number of supercharged solar explosions skyrocketed last year, experts told Live Science.