X-class solar flare causes radio blackout in the Middle East as more storms threaten Earth in the coming days.
The Earth is bracing for a wave of intense space weather as the most volatile region of the Sun swings into full view, prompting NASA to warn of powerful solar flares that could cause blackouts and disruptions to communications and power infrastructure.
Last week, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a colossal eruption from a newly emerged sunspot. Rated an X2.7 flare—the highest classification for solar flares—the blast was the most powerful solar event of 2025 so far. The eruption temporarily knocked out high-frequency radio signals across the Middle East, with a blackout lasting around 10 minutes, according to the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
And it may be just the beginning.
The Sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar activity cycle, a turbulent phase known as the “solar maximum.” This period is marked by the flipping of the Sun’s magnetic poles, triggering increased activity such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The result? Beautiful auroras—but also potential chaos for modern technology.
Nasa has warned that continuing solar flares from this sunspot cluster could disrupt radio communications, destabilise power grids, scramble GPS and navigation systems, and even pose a threat to satellites and astronauts in orbit.
“There are currently up to five sunspot regions on the Earth-facing side of the Sun,” the UK’s Met Office reported. “A new, apparently magnetically unipolar region is also rotating into view over the southeastern solar horizon. We’re expecting increased solar flare activity in the coming days.”
This active zone includes sunspot AR4087, which has drawn the attention of scientists and aurora watchers alike. As it aligns more directly with Earth, the likelihood of further X-class flares and accompanying CMEs grows.
Space photographer Vincent Ledvina, known for capturing dramatic images of auroras, posted: “This is getting intense—especially as this active region turns closer into view.”
When solar storms hit, their charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, often triggering brilliant auroras. These will be visible farther south than usual due to the strength of the storm. The Met Office’s aurora forecast for Thursday, 22 May, indicates that the Northern Lights could be visible over much of the UK and Ireland—weather permitting.
An artist’s impression released by Nasa illustrates the scale and beauty of these events: massive solar arcs blasting into space, trailing magnetised plasma that races toward Earth. But the visuals come with real-world dangers.
X-class flares are the most powerful category of solar storm. They can interfere with radar and aircraft communications, delay flights, and affect maritime navigation. Past solar storms of this magnitude have even caused partial power failures, such as the 1989 geomagnetic storm that blacked out large parts of Quebec, Canada.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Satellite operators and utility companies are on alert, with some already taking pre-emptive steps to shield vulnerable systems.
The latest forecasts suggest that while the chance of catastrophic grid damage remains low, minor to moderate disruptions could become more frequent over the coming fortnight. Travellers, pilots, and those dependent on GPS are advised to remain alert to updates.
For skywatchers, however, this stormy spell may deliver unforgettable sights. With clear skies, parts of the UK could enjoy vivid aurora displays this week—nature’s own light show, born of celestial violence 93 million miles away.
