Sixteen light - years from Earth lie the red dwarf called AD Leonis . With the assistance of a new Japanese hilltop scope , astronomer have been capable to detect a dozenstellar flaresfrom this star , one of which was 20 times enceinte than those emitted by the Sun .

“ Solar flares are sudden explosions that exhale from the surface of stars , including our own Dominicus , ” lead author Kosuke Namekata of Kyoto University , Japan , enunciate in astatement . “ On rarefied occasions , an extremely large superflare will go on . These result in massive charismatic storm , which when emitted from our Sunday can significantly effect the earth ’s technical infrastructure . ”

A few years ago , the Sun did unleash anenormous solar flarethat stimulate some wireless blackouts on Earth , but it was nowhere near energetic enough to be called a superflare . However , if a superflare were to be give off from the Sun , which some scientists predict could happenwithin the next 100 year , electrical racing circuit would be annihilated , have around $ 10 trillion worth of damage . Therefore , it is critical we look elsewhere in infinite to see more about this powerful phenomenon .

The target of this modish study , published inPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan , provided the perfect deterrent example . As its temperature is much dispirited than that of our Sun , advert Leonis spurts out a high bit of flares . But on Namekata and the team ’s first nighttime of observations using the 3.8 - meter ( 12.5 - foot ) Seimei telescope , they find an volatile superflare – exceeding all of their expectations .

Further analysis of the flash give more surprising termination . In comparison with typical solar flare , an ordering of order of magnitude more high - energy negatron were publish in the superflare . “ It ’s the first fourth dimension this phenomenon has been describe , ” Namekata said , “ and its thanks to the mellow precision of the Seimei Telescope . ”

Namekata and colleagues hope to continue to use the new instrument to bring out further information on extreme infinite effect .

“ More entropy on these rudimentary astral phenomena will facilitate us forebode superflares , and possibly palliate magnetized tempest damage here on world , ” study Centennial State - author Kazunari Shibata also of Kyoto University , explained in astatement . “ We may even be capable to begin understanding how these emissions can affect the existence   – or emergence   – of sprightliness on other planets . ”