Solar Flare Causes Radio Chaos in North America

A powerful solar flare, rated as an X1.5, caused a radio and navigation signals blackout in North America, affecting frequencies below 5 Mhz. The flare is part of the Sun's increased activity during its 11-year solar cycle, with more intense solar storms expected in the coming year. The presence of charged solar particles in Earth's atmosphere has prompted warnings from the U.K. Met Office, as they can harm satellites, aircraft passengers, and astronauts. Additionally, two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) heading towards Earth have merged, potentially causing a G3-level storm that could disrupt power grids and telecommunication systems.