A massive solar flare is expected to hit the Earth in the coming days and weeks, potentially causing blackouts and disruptions. The Sun’s most active region is currently rotating towards our planet, bringing spectacular auroras and high-energy space weather.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recently captured an X2.7 solar flare, which triggered radio blackouts across parts of the Middle East. This event was the strongest of 2025 from a newly emerged sunspot region.
The Sun is at its peak activity cycle, known as its solar maximum period, due to its magnetic poles flipping. This causes it to become active and stormy, leading to disruptions in various systems such as radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and even posing risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
Auroras caused by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun’s charged particles can also be seen, creating colourful displays. Up to five sunspot regions are currently facing Earth, with a new region rotating into view over the southeastern solar horizon.
As the most active region lines up with our planet, space photographer Vincent Ledvina warns that this is “getting intense”. The Met Office has issued forecasts of more significant space weather in the coming days.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/solar-flare-nasa-warning-blackout-b2753621.html