NASA announces heightened solar activity as sun enters solar maximum phase

NASA has announced that the sun has entered its "solar maximum period," marking a year of increased solar activity. This phase occurs every 11 years and is expected to bring more solar storms, which can disrupt power grids and communication systems. During this time, the sun will produce more sunspots and solar eruptions, leading to spectacular auroras. In May 2024, significant solar flares and coronal mass ejections caused the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades, resulting in impressive displays of Northern Lights. While Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful solar radiation, strong solar storms can still pose risks to technology. Past events, like the 1989 Quebec blackout, highlight the potential impact of severe solar activity on power systems and satellites.