Sun fires off 2nd-strongest flare of 2025, sparking radio blackouts across Africa

three panel image showing the sun firing out an x class solar flare and accompnying CME — The eruption was accompanied by a CME, which is currently under analysis to assess whether any part of it is headed for Earth. (Image credit: Images: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, graphic created in Canva Pro.)

gif animation showing the cme released during the X class solar flare from the sun. — Coronal mass ejection released during the X-class solar flare eruption. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

The sun fired off another major eruption today (Nov. 14), unleashing an intense X4-class flare, the second-most powerful eruption of 2025 so far, from the same hyperactive sunspot region that produced this year's record-setting X5 blast just days ago.

This dramatic outburst comes as AR4274 approaches the sun's western limb, meaning it is about to rotate out of view. This 'parting shot' eruption from one of the most prolific flare producers of Solar Cycle 25 was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME). But due to the position of the sunspot region so close to the solar limb (the 'edge' as we see it), any associated CME would be less likely to be directed toward Earth. Space weather forecasters are monitoring coronagraph data to determine whether any portion of the released CME could clip our planet in the coming days.

What is an X-flare?

Solar flares are ranked in ascending strength from A, B, C and M up to X, with each letter representing a tenfold increase in intensity. X-class flares are the strongest eruptions and the number following the X indicates how powerful the event is. An X.4 puts today's flare in the upper tier of solar outbursts.

Unlike CMEs, which launch clouds of magnetized plasma into space, solar flares release bursts of electromagnetic radiation that reach Earth in about 8 minutes. Today's flare rapidly ionized the upper atmosphere, disrupting long-range radio communications on the sunlit portion of Earth.

radio blackout map showing a strong blackout over Africa as a result from the powerful x class solar flare. — Radio blackouts associated with the X4 solar flare on Nov. 14. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.