Strongest Solar Flare of 2025 Hits Earth

SCIENCE

By Aniket Chakraborty May 16, 2025 Arrow

The X2.7-class flare hit at 4:25 a.m. ET, disrupting high-frequency radio signals.

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Blackouts were reported across five continents: from the U.S. to Southeast Asia.

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The flare ionised Earth's upper atmosphere—cutting off shortwave communications.

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It’s the most powerful eruption this year—and not the last, say space experts.

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The sunspot region AR4087 is rotating directly toward Earth—more flares likely.

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Just hours later, it released two more M-class flares, intensifying alerts.

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NOAA warns solar storms can affect satellites, GPS, and even power grids.

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Space agencies and power operators worldwide are on high alert for fallout.

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As solar activity surges, Earth faces rising risks from space weather.

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