Huge solar flare erupts from the Sun as scientists issue radio blackout warning

Experts issue a stark warning about potential radio blackouts following a colossal X-class solar flare that burst from the Sun.

The flare, peaking on May 14 at roughly 8:35 AM (GMT), has already led to global communication disruptions, with the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) confirming the event's impact.

Europe, Asia, and the Middle East felt the brunt of an R3-level radio blackout after the intense X2.7-class flare bombarded Earth's daylight side with a surge of X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation, detailed a report from space.com..

According to The Express, this flare is considered one of the most potent in recent months, with solar flares classified by their intensity levels – A, B, C, M, and X - each representing a tenfold boost in emitted energy.

Although the Earth dodged any direct hits from coronal mass ejections (CMEs) linked to this flare, scientific teams are keeping a close eye on developments, reports Bristol Live.

CMEs, which are significant expulsions of solar plasma and magnetic fields into space, can instigate geomagnetic storms and, if they interact with our planet's magnetosphere, result in dazzling auroras.

Originating from sunspot AR4087, which is progressively turning towards Earth, this region of the Sun has exhibited volatility, unleashing several flares within hours, including a formidable M5.3-class blaze before the larger X2.7 event.

X highlights commentary from aurora expert Vincent Ledvina who cautioned, "This is getting intense, especially as this active region turns closer into view.

"This same AR just produced an M5.3 flare a few hours ago. What does this AR have planned over the next days ... we'll have to wait and see."

The X2.7 event marks the most powerful flare since March, when the Sun belted out an X1.2-class flare from sunspot region AR4086, now disappearing from our line of sight.

There's growing concern over potential fresh eruptions and their possible disruption to communications, navigation systems, and satellites in orbit following the recent solar fireworks.

With the United States and other parts of the world potentially in for more flaring, eyes are on the restless sunspot as it shuffles into a position that could see Earth cop a greater impact, according to the SWPC.

For the moment, boffins are keeping a close watch on these developments. Yet, as AR4087 swivels to confront Earth more squarely each day, experts warn the next blast might not pass so benignly.