Sun releasing powerful solar flares since Feb 1, space agencies on alert

NEW DELHI: Since Feb 1, the Sun has unleashed a series of powerful solar flares that have triggered warnings from Isro and other space agencies, which are closely monitoring the situation for potential strong radio blackout conditions.

Solar flares of this magnitude release vast bursts of electromagnetic radiation that reach Earth almost instantly. While harmless to humans on the ground, they can severely disturb the ionosphere, disrupting high-frequency radio communications, navigation signals and satellite operations. Isro, which has over 50 operational satellites, is keeping constant watch over them.

Nasa space alerts confirmed that the strong flares started on Feb 1. “The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 7:13 a.m. ET on Feb. 4,” Nasa said in its latest alert.

The US agency’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which observes the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Space agencies reported that the event was the brightest solar flare since Oct 2024 and ranks among the 20 most powerful flares recorded since 1996.