The sun has unleashed the most powerful solar flare since 2017, just days after it spat out another monster explosion. Both outbursts have launched solar storms that will likely hit Earth this weekend and trigger vibrant aurora displays.

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are normal behavior for the Sun, particularly when it's in the peak of its activity cycle, as scientists believe is the case right now. They often occur in association with each other, erupting from sunspots on the surface of the Sun.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Strong solar flares like this can cause coronal mass ejections (CME); explosions of plasma and magnetic field that can cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth.

Sky watchers across North America are anxiously anticipating what could be the most intense display of aurora borealis in decades this weekend in the wake of two major solar flares.

Authorities predict that states as far south as Oregon and Illinois will be able to see auroras between now and Oct. 6

The sun just unleashed one of its largest solar explosions in recent years, temporarily causing a radio blackout on Earth and spitting out a coronal mass ejection that will likely collide with our planet this weekend.

The sun released a powerful solar flare to start the month of October, which could lead to supercharged aurora displays over the weekend.

The sun fired off its largest solar flare yet in the current solar cycle. This means the Northeast could be entertained by northern lights.

Scientists have stated that on Tuesday, the sun released a massive solar flare that is likely to trigger a vibrant aurora display.