NASA has issued a warning about severe space weather in the coming days and weeks due to an active sunspot region on the Sun, which recently produced the most powerful solar flare of 2025 — an X2.7-class outburst captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This flare caused brief but significant radio blackouts, particularly affecting parts of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that high-frequency radio communications were disrupted for about ten minutes, categorized as an R3-level radio blackout. Such solar flares can interfere with power grids, satellite navigation, aviation communication, and pose risks to astronauts and spacecraft.

The Sun is currently at its solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, making such flares more common and intense. This active region, AR4087, has already produced multiple significant flares, raising concerns about further solar outbursts in the near future.

Aurora experts predict that, depending on solar activity, spectacular auroras could be visible in northern parts of the UK and Ireland around May 22, offering a rare natural light show but also signaling geomagnetic disturbances.

While the general public is unlikely to experience serious disruptions, industries relying on satellite navigation, aviation, and maritime operations have been advised to stay alert and prepare for possible communication or power interruptions.