A powerful solar flare disrupted radio communications

A powerful M5.8-class solar flare was recorded on the Sun, causing disruptions in radio communications and triggering a coronal mass ejection. According to scientists’ forecasts, the cloud of magnetized plasma will reach our planet as early as Tuesday night, which could cause the aurora borealis. 

This was reported by The Independent, citing the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Electromagnetic radiation from the flare in active region AR4436 caused disruptions in high-frequency communications over the Atlantic Ocean and East Africa, which were felt most acutely by sailors and aviators. Currently, the plasma cloud is moving at a speed of about 650 kilometers per second. Although the main part of the eruption is expected to pass by Earth’s orbit, experts do not rule out the possibility of a glancing blow on the evening of May 12 or the morning of May 13 UTC.

Residents of the northern regions of the United States and the United Kingdom will be able to observe the aurora caused by the interaction of solar material with the atmosphere. NOAA specialists continue to monitor the situation, as the shock wave could trigger moderate geomagnetic storms. Improved visibility of the space phenomenon is expected at latitudes where it is not usually observed, provided there is no cloud cover and low light pollution.

In May 2026, several periods of solar activity are expected, which may affect the well-being of weather-sensitive individuals and the operation of electronic devices.