Massive Sun Spot Could Cause Solar Flares, Radio Blackouts

(Undated) — A large sun spot facing towards Earth could cause radio blackouts if it bursts.

Scientists are watching a dark spot on the surface of the sun that’s doubled in size this week. They say it could result in a solar flare that contains high amounts of radiation and magnetic energy. That flare might impact the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere that are used for communication signals, which in turn could lead to radio and navigation system blackouts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, estimates there’s a ten-percent chance of such a flare happening soon.