A sunspot facing Earth has rapidly become highly active, producing multiple strong M-class solar flares in under 24 hours, including a powerful M8.46 flare on June 15—just below the strongest X-class level.

This flare also triggered a coronal mass ejection (CME), part of which may reach Earth around June 18.

If it does, it could cause minor geomagnetic storms and possibly visible auroras in northern U.S. states, Space.com has reported.

The M8.46 flare temporarily disrupted radio signals over sunlit regions of North America, highlighting the impact of solar activity on Earth’s communication systems.

Written by B.C. Begley