X-Flare, CME, Cosmic Rays, Radio Blackouts in the Pacific

Yesterday, sunspot AR2339 unleashed an intense X2-class solar flare. It might not be finished. The active region has doubled in size since yesterday, and it has a 'beta-gamma' magnetic field that harbors energy for more eruptions.

The X2-class solar flare on May 5, 2015.

Just the other day, emerging sunspot AR2339 unleashed an intense X2-class solar flare (May 5th at approximately 22:11 UT).  Radiation from the flare caused strong radio blackouts on the Pacific side of Earth, interfering with communications at frequencies below ~20 MHz.  The blast also hurled a CME into space, but not toward Earth. This event could herald a sustained period of high solar activity, as AR2339 appears to be large and explosive.
 
The map below shows the extent of the blackout, which affected frequencies below 20 MHz. Mariners, aviators, and ham radio operators are the type of people who might have noticed the disturbance. - From SpaceWeather