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Massive Solar Flare Disrupts Communications Across South Pacific

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 1, 2026, the X8.3 solar flare erupted from solar active region AR4366, causing radio blackouts across the South Pacific.
AR4366 has rapidly grown, producing at least 18 M-class flares and three X-class flares in a short period.
The flare ionized Earth's upper atmosphere, disrupting communications in eastern Australia and New Zealand.
A coronal mass ejection is expected to reach Earth around February 5–6, 2026.

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Story summary

On February 1, 2026, the X8.3 solar flare erupted from solar active region AR4366, causing radio blackouts across the South Pacific.
AR4366 has rapidly grown, producing at least 18 M-class flares and three X-class flares in a short period.
The flare ionized Earth's upper atmosphere, disrupting communications in eastern Australia and New Zealand.
A coronal mass ejection is expected to reach Earth around February 5–6, 2026.