Powerful solar flare disrupted radio communications on five continents

Two powerful flares occurred on the Sun, one of which - X2.7 - became the strongest this year. The event caused disruptions in shortwave radio communications across five continents: North and South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, the flare occurred around 04:30 AM Eastern Time. It was particularly bright when the Sun was over the Middle East, causing about 10 minutes of interference in high-frequency radio communications in this region.

NASA published a photo taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, which captured a "fire tendril" - a bright energy ejection bursting from the Sun's surface.

What is the danger?

Such flares can disrupt GPS operations, satellites, and even pose a threat to astronauts. Streams of charged particles, upon reaching Earth, can cause magnetic storms and affect power grids.

Scientists warn: The Sun is currently at the peak of activity in its 11-year cycle, which means the probability of new storms in the coming months remains high.

Previously reported:

• On May 14, an X1.2 flare was also recorded on the western limb of the Sun.

• On May 7, the NOAA GOES-19 spacecraft captured the ejection of a huge solar filament capable of triggering magnetic storms.