DiscoverThe FrontThe sun erupted. A plane suddenly fell. Should we worry?
The sun erupted. A plane suddenly fell. Should we worry?

The sun erupted. A plane suddenly fell. Should we worry?

Update: 2025-11-30
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As aircraft become more computerised - and even pilotless - they’re also more vulnerable to space events like the giant solar flare that put an Airbus into an ‘uncommanded’ dive and grounded thousands of flights. So should we praise Airbus for acting quickly, or rethink the risk of autopilot systems?  

Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app.

This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The sun erupted. A plane suddenly fell. Should we worry?

The sun erupted. A plane suddenly fell. Should we worry?

The Australian