Scientists have warned of possible GPS and communications blackouts on Friday 13th after three solar flares were recorded erupting earlier this week.

The sun emitted two X-grade solar flares on Tuesday morning at 07.42 and 8.52, causing a brief communications blackout, and a third X-class flare was recorded yesterday.

Nasa has warned of more solar flares to come with the Sun currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle,but while they can affect GPS and high frequency (HF) communication signals, the Earth’s atmosphere prevents them from having a physical impact on humans on the ground.

However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also warned:

“A Coronal Mass Ejection associated with the activity has been observed moving at a flank from Earth and a glancing blow to Earth from this event is expected on June 13.”

If a Coronal Mass Ejection strikes, vast amounts of solar wind and electromagnetic radiation are released into space, which can disrupt communications, damage satellites, and cause power surges on the ground.