On May 13, 2025 and May 14, 2025, the sun fired solar flares, and the radiation of those flares triggered radio black outs in some parts of the world, according to a forecast discussion from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Solar flares — sudden, intense bursts of radiation — are the result of the sun releasing energy pent-up magnetic energy. Sunspots, which are concentrated areas of such energy, are often the source of many flares.
Although fascinating for astronomers to observe, they can also affect life on Earth and in space. The sudden burst of magnetic energy can interrupt radio signals on the side of the planet facing the flare. They can also interfere with navigation signals — even potentially disrupting spacecraft.
