A powerful solar flare "blackout" the Pacific Ocean, leading to widespread radio outages (video).

At 14:27 Eastern Time on Sunday, February 24, an X2.0 solar flare peaked in sunspot AR 4001, located just behind the northwest edge of the sun. As a result of this extremely powerful event, scientists recorded a shortwave radio blackout in some areas of the Pacific Ocean, reports Space.

Researchers note that the radio disruptions were caused by an increased amount of ultraviolet radiation accompanying the flare. Experts also point out that during such types of blackouts, there is typically a complete or nearly complete loss of high-frequency radio signals in the affected regions—this time, the situation affected certain parts of the Pacific Ocean.

It is worth noting that X-class flares are the most powerful of solar flares, which are ranked on a scale of four classes. With each increase in class on the scale, the flare's intensity also increases tenfold:

• M-class flares are second in intensity;
• C-class flares are in third place;
• B-class flares are in fourth and last place.

Researchers also mention that the number 2.0 following the letter in this case essentially defines the strength of the individual flare.

Experts from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are also monitoring and analyzing each radio blackout, which is classified on the space weather scale, describing how each level impacts our planet. It is known that the current event has been categorized as R3 "Strong," which is in the middle of the scale under "Extreme" (R5) and "Strong" (R4) events.

Fortunately for us, scientists have also reported that there are no concerns regarding a coronal mass ejection hitting Earth caused by the X2.0 flare. However, spacecraft observing the Sun captured impressive views of the ejection as it expelled plasma and magnetic fields into space.

Researchers note that when coronal mass ejections occur, trails of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun are expelled into space, and if they reach Earth, they can also trigger geomagnetic storms. The effects of such storms on our planet can include impacts on power grids as well as auroras.

Nevertheless, this particular solar flare did not cause a coronal mass ejection towards Earth; however, scientists continue to monitor the Sun for new flares. They have also warned that other events of similar strength may occur mid-week, but these are likely to not cause significant harm to the planet.