Sun's Powerful Solar Flares Cause Radio Blackouts and Signal Interruptions on Earth

A massive sunspot, AR3354, erupted on July 2, unleashing a powerful X-class solar flare that caused a radio blackout over parts of the U.S. and the Pacific Ocean. The flare, classified as the strongest type of solar flare, ionized the Earth's atmosphere and lasted for about 30 minutes. Solar physicist Keith Strong shared footage of the flare, noting that June 2023 marked the highest monthly average for sunspot numbers in 21 years. While the flare triggered a coronal mass ejection, no significant plasma ejection has been observed.