MOST ACTIVE #SUNSPOT IN YEARS: Fast-growing sunspot AR3663 has quickly become the most active sunspot of Solar Cycle 25. Today alone it has unleashed two #X-flares and six #M-class #flares. This interest-compressed movie from the #Solar Dynamics Observatory shows 12 hours of crackling action:

Each of these flares has created a brief but deep radio blackout on Earth, causing loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz. These are events easily noticed by ham radio operators, aviators and mariners using shortwave to communicate.

The flares are expected to continue. AR3663 has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field where mixed polarities are bumping together in explosive proximity. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of additional M-class flares and a 25% chance of more X-flares on May 5th.
https://spaceweather.com/