Sunspot region 4114 unleashed an X1.2-class solar flare on June 17, 2025, at 5:54 p.m. EDT (2154 GMT). This powerful event caused significant radio blackouts, particularly affecting the Pacific Ocean region, including Hawaii.
Unlike previous flares from this region, the eruption was not accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME). Instead, it produced a burst of electromagnetic energy, disrupting radio signals on the sunlit side of Earth.
The shortwave radio blackout was most severe over Hawaii, with signal loss reported at frequencies below 25 MHz. X-class flares are the most potent, and this X1.2 event, while at the lower end of the scale, still caused notable disruptions.
Sunspot region 4114, which remains Earth-facing, shows magnetic instability, suggesting potential for more flares. Space weather forecasters are monitoring the region closely for possible CMEs, which could trigger geomagnetic storms and auroras.
The sun is approaching its solar cycle peak in 2025, with increased solar activity expected. Scientists are closely monitoring sunspot regions like 4114 to predict and mitigate potential impacts.