Article Summary
NASA has reported two powerful “X-class solar flares” that erupted in May 2025, originating from the highly active sunspot AR4087. These flares, classified as X1.2 and X2.7, have the potential to disrupt radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals globally. Experts warn that Earth is unprepared for more severe solar events, which could lead to widespread blackouts and an “internet apocalypse.” The Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation task force conducted a simulation in 2024, revealing significant gaps in preparedness for such extreme space weather events.
What This Means for You
- Potential Communication Disruptions: Solar flares can cause radio blackouts, affecting emergency services, aviation, and personal communications. Ensure you have alternative communication methods, such as satellite phones or ham radios.
- Power Grid Vulnerabilities: Severe solar storms can damage power grids, leading to prolonged blackouts. Consider investing in backup power solutions like generators or solar panels with battery storage.
- Navigation Signal Interference: GPS and other navigation systems may be disrupted, impacting travel and logistics. Keep physical maps and offline navigation tools as backups.
- Future Outlook: With solar activity expected to increase, governments and individuals must prioritize space weather preparedness to mitigate risks to critical infrastructure and daily life.
NASA Says Earth Hit by ‘X-Class Solar Flares,’ Warns of Blackouts and ‘Internet Apocalypse’
In the aftermath of a one-two punch of solar flares hitting the Earth, experts warn that earthlings are unprepared for more serious flares that could compromise communications networks.
NASA reported that two “X-class solar flares” erupted in two days earlier this month.
Solar flares have the potential to disrupt radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals, according to CTV.
On May 13, an X1.2 flare erupted. X-class flares are the most severe. In classifying them, the higher the number, the stronger the flare.
A day later, an X2.7 flare was recorded. Both came from sunspot AR4087, a highly active area.
WOW, happening now: an X2.7 flare from AR 4087 rotating in. 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. pic.twitter.com/GAgJWi3bJV
— Vincent Ledvina (@Vincent_Ledvina) May 14, 2025
“The energy from a flare travels at the speed of light, which means it reaches Earth about eight minutes after a flare happens,” NASA said. “Essentially, by the time we see a flare, most of its effects are here.”
NASA said the biggest flares can have the power of “a billion hydrogen bombs.” The most powerful solar flare recorded came in 2003. It was classified as an X28 and overwhelmed NASA’s sensors.
According to Livescience, radio blackouts were reported in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia after the May 13 and May 14 flares.
As the threat of solar flares disrupting Earth lingers, the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation task force held a planning exercise in May 2024 to see whether America is ready.
One scenario participants tried to cope with included a “solar superstorm” that caused an “internet apocalypse,” leading to power grid disruptions across America and weeks-long blackouts along the East Coast, according to the Daily Mail.
Railways and pipelines were also disrupted in this scenario.
A report on the exercise hinted that America was not ready by stressing that much more needs to be done to prepare.
Participants lacked the “space weather expertise” necessary to “translate the scientific information and determine what the specific impacts would be on Earth,” the report said, according to the New York Post.
“Space weather is a complex subject and its potential impacts are not well understood outside of NOAA and NASA,” the report said.
“There is a strong need to educate not only government and agency staff but the general public, as well,” the report said.
We just had the STRONGEST SOLAR FLARE of 2025! pic.twitter.com/9gYPYPAIAe
— Black Hole (@konstructivizm) May 16, 2025
“Ongoing preparedness efforts for a space weather event are crucial because an extreme event has the potential to severely impact our nation’s critical infrastructure and threaten our national security,” the report on the exercise said.
“Just as we prepare for earthquakes, hurricanes, and cyberattacks, our nation must take action before a major space weather event occurs,” the report said.
People Also Ask About
- What are X-class solar flares? X-class solar flares are the most intense category of solar eruptions, capable of causing significant disruptions to Earth’s technology and infrastructure.
- How do solar flares affect Earth? Solar flares can disrupt radio communications, power grids, and navigation systems, and in extreme cases, cause widespread blackouts.
- Can solar flares harm humans? While solar flares do not directly harm humans, their effects on technology and infrastructure can have serious indirect consequences.
- How can we prepare for solar flares? Preparation includes investing in backup power, alternative communication methods, and staying informed about space weather forecasts.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Sarah Gibson, a leading solar physicist, emphasizes that “the increasing frequency of X-class solar flares underscores the urgent need for global preparedness. Without significant advancements in space weather forecasting and infrastructure resilience, the next major solar event could have catastrophic consequences for modern society.”
Key Terms
- X-class solar flares
- Solar storm preparedness
- Space weather impacts
- Power grid vulnerabilities
- Internet apocalypse
- Solar flare blackouts
- Space Weather Operations
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