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Strongest Solar Flare of 2025 Disrupts Global Communications

The X2.7-class flare from Active Region 4087 caused radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with experts warning of further activity as the sunspot rotates into Earth view.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash on the left – on May 14.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – seen as the bright flash on the far right – on May 13, 2025.
x2.7 solar flare on May 14, 2025

Overview

  • An X2.7-class solar flare erupted from Active Region 4087 at 08:19 UTC on May 14, 2025, marking the strongest flare of the year and the 15th most powerful of Solar Cycle 25.
  • The flare triggered shortwave radio blackouts in sunlit areas, particularly affecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  • A coronal mass ejection (CME) was generated but is not expected to be Earth-directed, minimizing the immediate threat to infrastructure.
  • The same sunspot region produced two other significant flares earlier on May 14, an M5.4 and an M1.2, highlighting its heightened activity.
  • Experts caution that further flares are likely in the coming days as AR4087 rotates into a more Earth-facing position, increasing the potential for stronger impacts.