A powerful solar flare caused widespread radio disruptions across the Pacific region this week, with the eruption lasting for 12 minutes on April 30.

Near X-class solar flares, the most potent type, were released during this event. Solar flares occur when magnetic fields in and around the Sun reconnect, releasing built-up magnetic energy.

These flares are classified by their strength, ranging from X-class to M-class, then C-class, and finally B-class.

The April 30 flare, measured at M9.53, just fell short of being classified as an X-class flare.

It affected the Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing disruptions in radio signals for approximately 30 minutes.

The flare originated from sunspot region AR3654, marking the most powerful eruption from this area to date, NDTV reported.

While solar flares can impact spacecraft, satellites, and ground-based stations, they do not pose a threat of lasting damage to Earth itself.

Agencies like NASA, NOAA, and the US Air Force closely monitor the Sun to track solar activity and its potential effects on technology.

Despite their disruptive nature, so-called “killer flares” capable of causing permanent harm to Earth do not exist, as clarified by NASA experts.

Written by B.C. Begley