Strongest solar flare of 2026 erupts as sun releases multiple powerful blasts — what is X8.3?

Over the past 24 hours, the Sun has released a series of powerful solar flares, at least 18 M-class flares and three X-class flares. Among them was an X8.3 flare, the strongest solar flare recorded so far in 2026.Solar flares are sudden bursts of energy from the Sun. Scientists classify them by strength, starting from A, B and C, then moving to M and finally X. Each step up represents ten times more energy. X-class flares are the most intense explosions the Sun can produce, and an X8.3 flare sits very high on that scale.This recent activity is coming from a fast-growing sunspot known as region 4366. The region has expanded rapidly over the last few days and has shown unstable magnetic behaviour. The strongest flare peaked at 6:57 pm EST on February 1. It released strong ultraviolet and X-ray radiation, which disturbed the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, parts of the South Pacific experienced R3-level radio blackouts. Shortwave radio signals were disrupted in eastern Australia and New Zealand, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.Scientists are now watching closely for any coronal mass ejections linked to these flares. Early assessments suggest most of the solar material from the X8.3 flare may miss Earth, though a slight impact is possible around February 5. If that happens, it could briefly increase geomagnetic activity and raise chances of auroras at higher latitudes.Sunspot 4366 remains active and is turning more directly towards Earth. Forecasters say further solar activity from this region is expected in the coming days.