Overview

• An X2.7-class solar flare erupted from sunspot AR4087 on May 14, 2025, causing R3-level radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• The flare, the strongest of 2025 so far, disrupted high-frequency communications and briefly degraded power systems in affected regions.
• Although the associated coronal mass ejection did not directly impact Earth, the sunspot responsible is now rotating into direct alignment, raising concerns about future activity.
• NASA and NOAA have warned of ongoing risks to power grids, navigation systems, and satellites as the solar maximum continues into 2026.
• Auroras are forecast to be visible at unusually low latitudes, including parts of the U.S., UK, and Ireland, due to increased solar activity.