X 36w1c Class Solar Flare From Emerging Sunspot Causes Radio Blackouts

A surprise X-class solar flare from sunspot AR4046 disrupted radio communication across the Americas. 2f2022

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 2 April 2025 22:58 IST

X-Class Solar Flare From Emerging Sunspot Causes Radio Blackouts

Photo Credit: NOAA SWPC, GOES-16 d4742

A powerful X-class solar flare erupts from the Sun, releasing intense energy and radiation.

Highlights

X1.1-class solar flare from AR4046 disrupts radio signals
Radio blackouts reported across North and South America
Solar flare activity from sunspot AR4046 may increase soon

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A powerful X-class solar flare was unleashed by an emerging sunspot region leading to radio blackouts over large parts of North and South America. The flare was classified as X1.1 and was reported to have erupted from sunspot region AR4046. This unexpected solar event was recorded on March 28. The flare impacted shortwave radio signals across the sunlit areas at the time of eruption, which disrupted communication in several regions.

Solar Flare Triggered By Sunspot AR4046 6i603p

Reportedly, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration, the solar flare originated from sunspot region AR4046. It was reported that the flare was accompanied by a filament eruption and a coronal mass ejection. A coronal mass ejection refers to an expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun's corona. Reports have stated that this specific ejection is not expected to directly affect Earth because of the sunspot's location on the eastern limb of the sun during the flare.

Potential For Future Solar Activity 2r4b3a

Solar physicist Halo CME, in a post shared on X social media platform, stated that the coronal mass ejection observed after the flare may not impact Earth due to the sunspot's position. Solar astrophysicist Ryan French also posted on X saying that the sunspot region responsible for the flare is expected to rotate towards Earth in the coming days. Space weather forecasters are currently monitoring the region for possible future eruptions that may impact Earth.

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Impact On Communication Signals 4y4l3q

The Space Weather Prediction Center reported that shortwave radio blackouts were detected across much of North and South America. These blackouts occurred when intense X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation from the flare ionised Earth's upper atmosphere. The increased ionisation resulted in disturbances in high-frequency radio communication across the affected regions.

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