Satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have captured a massive solar flare erupting from the bottom of the sun on Thursday (March 28). According to the organization's Space Weather Prediction Center, the flare reached its peak at 4:56 p.m. ET and was categorized as an X1.1 flare, the most powerful type of explosion the sun can produce.

The powerful solar flare was so intense that it ionized a portion of Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean, as reported by SpaceWeather.com. Additionally, a colossal release of plasma, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), accompanied the solar outburst.

Initially, concerns arose among NOAA scientists that the CME would collide with Earth, potentially leading to a geomagnetic storm capable of affecting satellites, radio communications, and other infrastructure. However, on Friday (March 29), the agency announced that Earth would likely evade the impact of the CME.

Solar flares occur when magnetic-field lines on the sun's surface suddenly snap, causing large bursts of electromagnetic radiation. This recent solar event follows the occurrence of a double X-class flare on Monday (March 25), which triggered a powerful geomagnetic storm on Earth. The phenomenon of two simultaneous explosions, known as a sympathetic solar flare, was a unique occurrence.

The consecutive solar events have sparked speculation among scientists that the sun may have entered its explosive era of peak activity, known as solar maximum. This peak activity seems to be starting a year earlier than previously forecasted, leading researchers to believe that the sun may be undergoing an accelerated solar cycle. However, more observation is needed to confirm these theories.

X-class flares, like the recent one, are most commonly observed during the sun's 11-year solar cycle, specifically during the solar maximum phase. In 2024 alone, seven X-class flares, including the latest one, have erupted from the sun, already surpassing half the number that reached Earth in 2023.

As researchers continue to monitor the sun's activity, it is crucial to understand the potential impact of solar flares and CMEs on our planet's technological infrastructure. The ability to detect and predict these solar events enables scientists to take necessary precautions to safeguard our satellites, radio communications, and other crucial systems.