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.

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)

photos

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)