The sun has produced a powerful X-class solar flare, registering a magnitude of X7.1, which triggered a temporary radio blackout over parts of the U.S. and released a significant coronal mass ejection (CME).

The flare, originating from sunspot AR3842, occurred on October 1 and is the second strongest of Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2019.

The CME is expected to reach Earth on October 5, potentially causing a geomagnetic storm that could lead to vibrant auroras at lower latitudes.

This event signals that we are likely entering solar maximum, a peak in the sun’s 11-year cycle marked by increased solar activity.

This year alone, 41 X-class flares have been recorded, more than in the previous nine years combined, Live Science has reported.

Experts warn that heightened solar activity could disrupt power grids and satellites, similar to the catastrophic Carrington Event of 1859.

Written by B.C. Begley