Major X1.1-Class Solar Flare Triggers Widespread Radio Blackouts Across the U.S.

A powerful X1.1-class solar flare caused radio blackouts across North and South America. The event was captured by the GOES-16 satellite at approximately 11:20 a.m. EST on March 28. The satellite is jointly operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA. The flare originated from a sunspot labeled AR4046 and marks the first X-class flare detected since early February. Reports confirm that this solar event disrupted high-frequency radio communications for several hours in the affected regions.

Impact on Earth’s Radio Signals

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the flare caused significant interference with high-frequency radio signals. The sudden burst of electromagnetic radiation ionized the lower ionosphere, leading to a temporary loss of contact for radio operators. The affected areas included regions facing the sun at the time of the eruption. NOAA classified this as an R3-level solar event, indicating strong radio signal degradation across large portions of the sunlit hemisphere.

Coronal Mass Ejection Follows the Flare

NOAA confirmed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) accompanied the solar event. A CME consists of plasma and magnetic field energy released from the sun’s surface. Geomagnetic disturbances are likely when these ejections interact with Earth’s magnetic field. Scientists are analyzing data to determine if any impact on Earth is possible. Current assessments suggest that this CME is unlikely to be directed toward Earth.

More Solar Activity Expected

Solar physicist Ryan French stated in a post on X that sunspot AR4046 is rotating to face Earth in the coming days. Future solar flares from this region could directly impact Earth. Another sunspot, AR4048, has also been identified as a potential source of powerful solar activity. Reports indicate a 15 percent likelihood of another X-class solar flare occurring between March 31 and April 2.