A massive solar storm is heading toward Earth, threatening to disrupt communications, navigation systems, and power grids around the world.
NASA issued the warning after a powerful burst of energy from the sun last week, which measured as an X2.7-class solar flare, the highest category for solar flares.
Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation that come from sunspots – darker, cooler areas on the sun’s surface – and are among the most powerful explosions in the solar system. These flares can last from a few minutes to several hours.
This X2.7 flare, released on May 14, came from the sun’s most active region, which is now rotating directly toward Earth.
Read more: NASA warns major solar storm set to cause blackouts on Earth
