The light and radiation takes 8 minutes (or zero time depending on how count it). But the radiation doesn't cause much trouble since absorbed by the atmosphere.

The light and radiation takes 8 minutes (or zero time depending on how count it). But the radiation doesn't cause much trouble since absorbed by the atmosphere. The charged particles from solar flares take 15-24 hours to reach Earth. The charged particles from big flares can interfere with radio, and huge ones can induce currents and knock out power grid. It is deceptive to suggest the flares and outage are connected. The Sun is approaching solar maximum. Solar flares, including strong ones, happen all the time.