X-rated SOLAR FLARE today cause radio blackouts over vast swathes of Earth

An eruption of a solar flare caused a radio blackout for over an hour in Europe and the Atlantic Ocean on May 3, according to experts at SpaceWeather. The sunspot triggered an X-rated solar flare which caused a radio blackout overa a lare part of Earth, especially Europe and over Atlantic Ocean.

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Experts at SpaceWeather.com revealed, "An active sunspot is emerging over the Sun's southeastern limb. It announced itself today with an X1.1-class solar flare (May 3rd @ 1325 UTUT)." "Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a strong shortwave radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe,” they added. (NASA)

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1/5 Experts at SpaceWeather.com revealed, "An active sunspot is emerging over the Sun's southeastern limb. It announced itself today with an X1.1-class solar flare (May 3rd @ 1325 UTUT)." "Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a strong shortwave radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean and Europe,” they added. (NASA)

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According to The Sun, the radio communications and the power grid is affected when a solar flare hits the Earth’s magnetic field. (Pixabay)

2/5 According to The Sun, the radio communications and the power grid is affected when a solar flare hits the Earth’s magnetic field. (Pixabay)

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In 1989, a strong solar eruption targeted the Canadian Province of Quebec. The eruption was so large that the region lost electricity for nine hours as the grid went down. (NASA)

3/5 In 1989, a strong solar eruption targeted the Canadian Province of Quebec. The eruption was so large that the region lost electricity for nine hours as the grid went down. (NASA)

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However, astronauts in space have to be wary of solar flares during spacewalks. However, the International Space Station is capable of shielding them against solar flares. (AP)

4/5 However, astronauts in space have to be wary of solar flares during spacewalks. However, the International Space Station is capable of shielding them against solar flares. (AP)

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When a solar flare hits the planet, it brings with it a beautiful phenomenon known as Auroras, commonly called as Northern Lights. They light up the sky with stunning colour displays and are easily visible through the naked eye. (AFP)

5/5 When a solar flare hits the planet, it brings with it a beautiful phenomenon known as Auroras, commonly called as Northern Lights. They light up the sky with stunning colour displays and are easily visible through the naked eye. (AFP)