On Oct. 3, the sun released the most powerful solar flare this solar cycle, a colossal X9.05 eruption — and it's heading for Earth.

The sun is in a spirited mood as it kicks out a glowing series of solar flares, including a fresh X9 that's the most intense we've seen in years.

Earth is bracing for blackouts after the sun unleashed a massive X-class solar flare — the most powerful it can generate — Tuesday evening.