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Massive Sunspot Sparks Radio Blackout, Auroras Possible South

12/2/2025

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory detected a sunspot more than ten times Earth's size and an X1.9-class solar flare on December 1, 2025.
The flare caused a radio blackout in Australia for about 30 minutes and disrupted aviation and maritime signals.
Active Region 4294-96 is expected to produce more solar flares.
Auroras could appear farther south than usual, possibly reaching Illinois and Alabama.

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Story summary

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory detected a sunspot more than ten times Earth's size and an X1.9-class solar flare on December 1, 2025.
The flare caused a radio blackout in Australia for about 30 minutes and disrupted aviation and maritime signals.
Active Region 4294-96 is expected to produce more solar flares.
Auroras could appear farther south than usual, possibly reaching Illinois and Alabama.