Powerful solar storm puts Earth on alert in the coming hours

Powerful solar explosions have occurred in recent days, with emphasis on an X1.1 class eruption, considered the strongest category, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States.

Class X indicates the most intense eruptions, while the number provides more information about their strength. The X1.1 eruption occurred on June 30, NASA reported.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare - seen as the bright flash in the upper right - on June 30, 2026 - NASA
Immediately, alerts were raised for the areas of radio communications, power grids, navigation signals and astronauts (who may suffer from solar radiation).

The sequence of solar explosions generated coronal mass ejection towards Earth.

According to NOAA, moderate solar storms are expected especially on July 3rd.

The solar storm scale goes from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). The moderate class is from G2.

Because of the intensity of the explosions, aurora borealis are expected especially in the northern hemisphere.

What is a solar flare
Solar flares are common and occur several times a year, although a series of strong X-class flares over a few days is rarely observed.

They are part of solar activity. The Sun has magnetic activity, and these eruptions happen with a certain frequency. This happens particularly when the Sun is most active.

Representation of a solar storm launching material towards Earth - NASA/GSFC/SOHO/ESA
The Sun is governed by a cycle, which lasts an average of 11 years. During this period, the star's magnetic field reverses, causing variations, such as visible spots and eruptions.

Solar flares can have different classes. X - which can vary from X.1 upwards (X.2, X.3...) - is the most severe, with the potential to affect satellites in Earth's orbit.

See the table below:

- Class X - These are the most severe, of great magnitude, and can interfere with communications and contain a large amount of radiation. Generates intense auroras. The numbers may vary, from X.1 to

Source: CNN