"Sun Unleashes Second X-Class Flare, Causing More Radio Blackouts"

The sun has emitted its second powerful X-class solar flare this week from sunspot AR3738, causing shortwave radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Europe, and parts of the Americas. The flare, which occurred on July 16, 2024, may have also triggered a coronal mass ejection, though it is not expected to impact Earth directly. The sunspot is nearing a "danger zone" that could potentially send more charged particles toward Earth.