Intense solar storm headed towards Earth, blackouts and auroras expected – NASA alerts

Strong Solar Storm Sparks Global Alerts and Northern Lights Warning (Image: NASA)

The Sun has stirred up trouble — and wonder — all at once. Just as most were settling into a regular week, space agencies began raising alerts about a powerful solar storm heading our way. It's not every day the sky becomes both a threat and a spectacle.

Sun’s activity at its peak this cycle

The X2.7-class solar flare — the most intense in 2025 so far — erupted from the Sun’s most active region. This sunspot zone, now fully facing Earth, has raised concerns about further solar disturbances. Experts say this burst of solar radiation may lead to GPS glitches, radio signal loss and electrical disruptions. The flare has already caused a 10-minute radio blackout in the Middle East, according to the US NOAA.

The flare’s radiation struck Earth’s upper atmosphere, disturbing the ionosphere and affecting communication. Scientists also warned that coronal mass ejections (CMEs) could soon follow. These giant bursts of solar plasma could interfere with satellites and power systems. NASA has advised caution for astronauts and tech-based industries over the coming days.

What solar flares really do to Earth

Solar flares are sudden flashes of radiation from sunspots. They send intense energy across space that can strike Earth in minutes. An X2.7-class flare is considered highly intense, strong enough to disturb high-frequency radio waves and navigation systems. These disruptions mostly affect the daylight side of the planet. This makes flights, ships, and GPS-dependent tools vulnerable during such events.

The Sun is currently in its solar maximum phase, a peak in its 11-year cycle. During this stage, sunspot activity spikes as magnetic fields flip. That leads to more frequent flares and space weather risks. Agencies say Earth is facing five active sunspot regions now.

Northern Lights may brighten UK and Ireland skies

The solar storm isn’t all bad news. The energy sent by the flare may produce stunning auroras. These colourful lights, known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, could be visible across the UK and Ireland. The Met Office predicts high auroral activity on 22 May, thanks to the storm’s charged particles hitting Earth’s magnetic field.

Photographers and sky gazers have already reported early signs of increased aurora activity. This rare visibility across Britain offers a visual reward for what may otherwise be a technical headache. While everyday life is unlikely to see major disruption, experts urge caution in transport and space sectors.

NASA and the Met Office are keeping an eye on sunspot AR4087. This region, expected to grow more active, may cause more flares in the coming days. As this cycle reaches its peak, experts say the public should stay informed. For now, the skies may be lit in green and purple — a stunning reminder of the Sun’s force at play.