X2.0 Solar Flare: Strongest of 2025 Erupts from Sun’s Northwest Limb

Key details about the solar flare:

1. Classification: X2.0, making it the strongest solar flare of 2025 so far2.
2. Duration: The event started at 19:22 UTC and ended at 19:34 UTC2.
3. Location: Northwest limb of the Sun, which reduced its direct impact on Earth25.
4. Effects:
   • Caused an R3 (Strong) radio blackout on the dayside of Earth, particularly affecting high-frequency (HF) radio communication over the Pacific Ocean and parts of the Americas25.
   • Triggered a coronal mass ejection (CME), though its position on the northwest limb means it’s unlikely to have a significant Earth-directed component25.

While the flare’s location doesn’t favor Earth-directed CMEs, it does increase the chance of solar radiation storms and high-energy proton events2. The eruption may also enhance the visibility of aurora borealis (northern lights) at lower latitudes than usual7.

Scientists continue to monitor solar activity, as there remains a chance for minor to moderate radio blackouts and potential geomagnetic disturbances in the following days25.

Citations:

1. https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/
2. https://watchers.news/2025/02/23/impulsive-x2-0-solar-flare-erupts-from-the-suns-northwest-limb/
3. https://blogs.nasa.gov/solarcycle25/2025/02/24/strong-solar-flare-erupts-from-sun-28/
4. https://blogs.nasa.gov/solarcycle25/
5. https://www.space.com/the-universe/sun/powerful-x-class-solar-flare-triggers-radio-blackouts-across-the-pacific-ocean-video
6. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9fhfzu
7. http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/solar-flare-feb-2025-northern-lights-20184616.php
8. https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/solar-activity/solar-flares.html