The sun again reminded of its strength. Within 24 hours, on November 4, 2025, it emitted two rare class X flares, the highest level of solar activity. These events temporarily disabled radio communications in large areas, including the Americas, the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand and eastern Australia, the portal reports. Space.com.

Scientists from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The United States (NOAA) noted that such a coincidence – two outbreaks of this class with an interval of less than 12 hours – is extremely rare andindicates the approaching peak of the 11-year solar cycle.

When the light gets too bright

First outbreak classified asX1.8occurred at 20:34 Moscow time in the active region AR4274 – a giant spot on the surface of the Sun. A second, slightly weaker X1.1 followed a few hours later at 01:02 Moscow time on November 5, but it came from a region that had not yet completely turned toward Earth at that time.

Each outbreak was accompaniedcoronal mass ejection (CME)is a huge stream of hot plasma, magnetic fields and particles rushing into space. Imagine a giant bubble of solar material exploding at millions of kilometers per hour. Fortunately, models show that none of these emissions were directed directly at Earth.

However, their outer boundaries may encounter a fast flow of solar wind in the coming days, causing moderategeomagnetic storms of level G1–G2November 6–7. Such phenomena are not dangerous, but they enhance the glow of the auroras, making them especially bright and colorful – good news for those who watch the northern skies.

How did this affect radio electronics?

The first flash caused radio interference levelR3according to the NOAA scale – this is considered“strong”event. High-frequency signals and navigation systems in North and South America experienced disruptions that lasted up to an hour.

A few hours later, a second outbreak caused a similar problem over the Pacific Ocean.affecting maritime and aviation services in the New Zealand and Australian area.Such radio shadows occur when a stream of X-ray radiation from the Sun ionizes the upper layers of the atmosphere, making them “deaf” to radio waves.

Active region AR4274 remains magnetically unstable and is now gradually turning toward Earth, according to NOAA.This means that the next outbreaks may be directed in our direction. Probability of new outbreaksclass Mis estimated at 65%, andclass X– approximately 15% over the next few days.

And indeed, on the morning of November 5, the same area had already produced another powerful flare – this time of the classM7.4indicating a continued elevated level of activity.

Why is this important

Solar flares are the result of the accumulation and sudden release of energy in the magnetic fields of the Sun. When a flare occurs, a stream of radiation and particles is released into space, which can affect the operation of satellites, communications systems and even electrical networks.