NASA issues warning for major solar storm

A powerful X2.7-class solar flare erupted from the sun on May 14, disrupting radio signals in parts of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Scientists warn it could be the strongest flare of the year and may be followed by further disturbances. Originating from sunspot AR4087, this flare is one of two intense X-class flares in the past week. NASA and NOAA say such flares can affect power grids, radio and GPS systems, and even pose dangers to satellites and astronauts. While no coronal mass ejection (CME) has yet been detected, one could trigger Northern Lights across several U.S. states including Alaska, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Experts, including Vincent Ledvina of the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, are closely watching sunspot AR4087 as it turns toward Earth. As the sun nears the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, more solar storms could occur. However, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reassures that X-class flares are rare and Earth’s atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation. They also note the risk of further disruptions this week is low. For now, while the threat remains, space agencies continue to monitor the sun’s activity closely.