"Record-breaking Solar Flare Unleashes Stunning Display and Radio Interference"

The sun recently unleashed a massive X-class solar flare, the strongest observed since 2017. This flare was followed by an M-class flare the next day. The high-energy particles from the solar flare caused a shortwave radio blackout over Central and South America. The associated coronal mass ejection (CME) from the flare is expected to reach Earth over the weekend, potentially causing geomagnetic storming and visible auroras. The intensity of the solar flare is significant, as it indicates the approaching peak of the sun's 11-year solar cycle, increasing the chances of more flares and auroras in the months ahead.