NASA has issued a warning about extreme solar weather as powerful solar flares erupt from the Sun, raising the risk of blackouts and communication disruptions on Earth in the coming days. The alert follows the most intense eruption of the year, an X2.7-class solar flare, recorded by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This flare came from sunspot cluster AR4087 and briefly caused radio blackouts across the Middle East, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
As the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle — known as the solar maximum — space weather activity is expected to increase. Experts warn that this surge could disrupt satellite systems, GPS, power grids, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts due to heightened radiation.
Space photographer Vincent Ledvina described the situation as “intense” in a social media post, noting the sunspot’s growing visibility from Earth. Scientists also report that more magnetically active regions are forming along the Sun’s surface, potentially triggering more flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
These events not only risk technological interference but also cause stunning auroras when solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field. Forecasters say several active sunspot regions are now facing Earth, with more activity expected in the days ahead.
The UK Met Office has confirmed that up to five sunspot areas are currently visible. Authorities advise the public and industries relying on satellites and high-frequency communications to stay prepared for possible disruptions.