Sun Unleashes Powerful Solar Flares, ISRO Warns Of Possible Radio Blackouts

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 21:14 IST

ISRO officials said more than 50 operational Indian satellites are under constant watch as intense solar storms can interfere with radio signals and satellite operations.

The current spell of solar unrest is linked to a highly active sunspot cluster known as Active Region 14366. (Image: NASA/SDO)

A surge in powerful solar flares from the Sun has raised concerns over possible radio blackouts, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) closely monitoring the situation. Space agencies across the world are on alert as solar activity increases the risk of disruptions to communication and navigation systems on Earth.

ISRO officials said more than 50 operational Indian satellites are under constant watch as intense solar storms can interfere with radio signals, satellite operations, radars, and power grids.

When such flares are directed towards Earth, they disturb the ionosphere, the upper layer of the atmosphere that supports long-range radio communication.

“There is a strong possibility of radio blackouts. All ISRO satellites are being monitored very closely," Anil Kumar, Director of ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), told NDTV.

He said any communication loss would be addressed immediately, adding that ground stations have already issued alerts to mission control centres, and contingency plans are in place to deal with any anomaly without delay.

The current spell of solar unrest is linked to a highly active sunspot cluster known as Active Region 14366. Over the past few days, it has produced multiple strong solar flares, including an X8.1-class flare, the most powerful recorded so far this year. NASA confirmed that the flares peaked between February 1 and February 2.

Such high-intensity flares release bursts of electromagnetic radiation that reach Earth at the speed of light. While they do not pose a direct threat to people on the ground, they can cause shortwave radio blackouts, affect navigation signals, and increase radiation risks for satellites and high-altitude flights, especially near the polar regions.

Scientists have said that although no major Earth-directed coronal mass ejection has been detected so far, the situation remains under close watch.

News world Sun Unleashes Powerful Solar Flares, ISRO Warns Of Possible Radio Blackouts

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