On May 14th, the Sun unleashed an X8.7 solar flare from one of its sunspot complexes. This is significantly more powerful than the X2.2 flare that set off auroras across much of the planet. But don't expect good auroras this time since the flare went off near the edge of the Sun and wasn't directed at our planet. It could still disrupt electronics and communications. This is continuing to be an excellent solar cycle, with more to come as the Sun approaches solar max.
