The significance of this event lies in the potential impact of these powerful bursts of energy on various systems. NASA noted in a statement that these solar flares can disrupt radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to both spacecraft and astronauts. Following this particular solar flare, radio frequency blackouts were reported across the United States.

This is likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded. Radio communication interference with aircraft were reported by multiple NWS Center Weather Service Units (CWSU) co-located at FAA facilities. See https://t.co/U2jmmJNjJV for full story. pic.twitter.com/tAiLovhCUw

— NOAA Space Weather (@NWSSWPC) December 15, 2023

While such events are rare, the consequences of extreme coronal mass ejections (CME), large bursts of plasma from the Sun, can be severe. In a worst-case scenario, they have the potential to cause months-long blackouts on Earth, resulting in billions of dollars in damages and harm to satellites.