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10h ago

Scientists Warn of Escalating Solar Flare Activity as Sunspot AR4087 Faces Earth

Following a powerful X2.7-class solar flare on May 14, experts caution that ongoing eruptions could disrupt communications, power grids, and navigation systems in the coming days.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash on the left – on May 14.
Image
Image
Pictured is a significant solar flare from March 29, 2014, when the sun was in an active period of its 11-year solar cycle.

Overview

  • The X2.7-class solar flare on May 14 triggered R3-level radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, marking the most intense eruption of 2025 so far.
  • Sunspot region AR4087, the source of the flare, is now rotating into a direct Earth-facing position, increasing the risk of more impactful solar activity.
  • NASA and NOAA warn that future flares from AR4087 could disrupt radio communications, power grids, navigation systems, and pose risks to satellites and astronauts.
  • While no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been confirmed from the May 14 flare, scientists are closely monitoring for potential geomagnetic storms and auroras.
  • The Sun is currently at its solar maximum, an 11-year peak in activity, driving more frequent and intense solar flares and space weather events.