A solar flare from the sun caused a radio blackout in large parts of the USA on June 15, affecting signals at frequencies below 20 Megahertz (MHz). The flare, classified as an M8.3 solar flare, was intense and powerful, releasing as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs.
The solar flare also hurled a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) into space, which will hit Earth in the coming days, potentially causing geomagnetic storms. These storms can lead to spectacular displays of Aurora Borealis, or the northern lights.
A map released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that much of South America was affected on a lower scale, while Canada and Greenland were similarly affected as the US. The NOAA had previously forecast a likelihood of Aurora over much of the US on June 13, with Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin predicted to be directly underneath the phenomenon.
While the northern lights are easiest to spot in clear weather and away from bright lights, stargazers do not need to be directly underneath the phenomenon to view it. According to NOAA, the aurora can be observed from as far as 1,000 km (621 miles) away when conditions are right.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/space-weather-solar-flare-radio-blackout-north-america-2085967