The sun unleashed two major solar storms in a single week this month and more are expected to follow. The most recent X-class solar flare erupted toward Earth, sending a wave of charged particles that have amped up northern lights displays and caused a strong radio blackout for some high-frequency communications systems. Effects on communications were felt within minutes of the flare reaching its peak, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.
The solar flares are erupting from Active Region 1520, an area on the sun 186,411 miles long and currently facing Earth. AR1520 also promises more storms in the near future as it is only halfway across the face of the sun so far.
