Back-to-Back X-Class Solar Flares Trigger Radio Blackouts

Two powerful X-class solar flares, measuring X1.6 and X1.5, occurred just days apart, causing radio blackouts across the Pacific Ocean. These flares resulted in shortwave radio signal loss below 30 MHz, affecting mariners and ham radio operators. Solar flares ionize the atmosphere, degrading or absorbing radio waves, leading to communication disruptions. While these flares were relatively low in power, more powerful flares could have significant impacts on Earth, including potential damages in the trillions of dollars.