Sun erupts in powerful flare barrage as volatile sunspot turns Earthward

Over a 24-hour period the Sun released a barrage of flares from sunspot AR4366, including at least 18 M-class and three X-class events (peaking at X8.3), triggering radio blackouts in parts of the South Pacific and eastern Australia/New Zealand. AR4366 is rapidly growing and could produce more eruptions; a CME is expected but likely to miss Earth or only glance Earth around Feb. 5, potentially elevating high-latitude aurora activity. Forecasters warn conditions remain uncertain as activity continues.