A massive solar flare just erupted from the sun, and NOAA is warning that it could mess with everything from GPS and cell signals to power grids and radio communications. If you notice your phone acting up, your GPS glitching, or even a brief power flicker, this might be why.
What’s Going On?
On Thursday morning, the sun unleashed an X1.8-class solar flare—one of the strongest kinds. These flares send a blast of energy toward Earth, and when they hit our atmosphere, they can disrupt technology. Satellites, power grids, and radio signals could all experience interference.
How Could This Affect You?
- GPS Might Act Up – If you’re using maps for directions, they may be a little off.
- Cell Phone & Internet Could Be Spotty – Calls might drop, and service could be weaker than usual.
- Power Grids May See Fluctuations – In extreme cases, voltage changes could cause brief power issues.
- Radio Signals Might Cut Out – This could affect pilots, emergency responders, and ships that rely on high-frequency radio.
But There’s a Cool Side to This
The same solar activity that can cause tech trouble could also create incredible northern lights—and this time, they might be visible as far south as Alabama. If you’re in a dark area at night, it’s worth stepping outside for a chance to see a rare aurora display.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The sun is in a highly active phase of its 11-year cycle, and scientists say the peak—known as the solar maximum—is arriving earlier and stronger than expected. That means more frequent and intense solar storms in the coming months, with the biggest activity likely between now and October.
What Should You Do?
- Charge Your Phone & Devices in case of unexpected power blips.
- Have a Backup for GPS if you’re traveling.
- Stay Informed in case NOAA issues more warnings.
- Look Up at Night—You might get an unexpected light show.
For now, there’s no need to panic, but don’t be surprised if your phone drops a call or your maps get a little weird. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch the sky putting on a show.