It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system.

Recently, scientists noticed that a hyperactive sunspot, first detected on February 18, is now swelling at a faster rate and is pointed right towards Earth. What does this mean?

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vaping-e-cigarette-chemicals-may-heighten-covid-susceptibility-new-study-reveals-694617">Vaping: E-cigarette chemicals may heighten Covid susceptibility, new study reveals</a>

So, sunspots are large areas on the surface of the Sun where the magnetic field is about 2500 times stronger than Earth’s, also much higher than anywhere on the Sun. These spots appear darker than the surrounding area, like the one shown in the picture here.

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These sunspots appear where the Sun is most active internally, and their number varies according to the approximately 11-year solar cycle.&nbsp;

<h2>Biggest sunspot of 2024 is now pointing directly at Earth</h2>

In 2024, the biggest sunspot named AR3590 first appeared on February 18, on the Sun’s Earth-facing side. It quickly started swelling into a dark patch, much wider than our planet.&nbsp;

On February 21, AR3950 spit out a pair of X-class solar flares, which are known as the most powerful type of solar flare, with magnitudes of X1.7 and X1.8.

On February 22, the same sunspot released a massive X6.3 flare, the most powerful solar explosion recorded in over six years.

All three flares caused temporary radio blackouts on Earth, but none of them launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are clouds of magnetised plasma that can ram into Earth's magnetic shield as they fly through space.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/porpoise-ful-mistake-porpoises-not-methane-may-be-responsible-for-mysterious-pits-in-north-sea-694626">'Porpoise-ful' mistake: Porpoises, not methane, may be responsible for mysterious pits in North Sea</a>

If any of these explosions had launched a CME at Earth, the resulting plasma clouds could have triggered severe geomagnetic storm disturbances in Earth's magnetic field that can trigger solar radiation to impact ground-based infrastructure, trigger stunning aurora displays and cause satellites to tumble back to Earth.

Since the triple X-class flares, AR3590 has continued to grow, almost doubling in size. It is now one of the largest sunspots of the current solar cycle, which began in 2019, Spaceweather.com reported.

According to Spaceweather.com, initial expectations of intensified solar activity in the sunspot's magnetic field, potentially leading to X-class solar eruptions, have yet to materialise. Instead, there have been only a few minor M-class flares observed since the triple flares occurred. This indicates the possibility of the sunspot accumulating energy for a larger eruption.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quite-the-photographer-us-lunar-spacecraft-odysseus-shares-new-pictures-it-is-expected-to-go-dark-soon-694602">'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures; it is expected to go dark soon</a>

Spaceweather.com notes that the immense sunspot is presently oriented in a manner that aligns it closely with Earth. Consequently, should another substantial X-class flare occur, there is a heightened risk of our planet being directly affected by associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

Though AR3590 is not large enough to trigger a dangerous type of solar storm, even if it released a CME that was half as powerful, it could still cause serious problems. And there is a high possibility of this happening in reality.

(With inputs from agencies)

It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system.

It wouldn’t be wrong to call 2024 the year when our star, the gigantic Sun, is having its moment. With immense changes in its solar structure due to the upcoming solar maximum, the internal changes going on with the Sun will soon have an impact on Earth and other planets in the solar system. Recently, scientists noticed that a hyperactive sunspot, first detected on February 18, is now swelling at a faster rate and is pointed right towards Earth. What does this mean? Also Read | Vaping: E-cigarette chemicals may heighten Covid susceptibility, new study reveals So, sunspots are large areas on the surface of the Sun where the magnetic field is about 2500 times stronger than Earth’s, also much higher than anywhere on the Sun. These spots appear darker than the surrounding area, like the one shown in the picture here. These sunspots appear where the Sun is most active internally, and their number varies according to the approximately 11-year solar cycle. Biggest sunspot of 2024 is now pointing directly at Earth In 2024, the biggest sunspot named AR3590 first appeared on February 18, on the Sun’s Earth-facing side. It quickly started swelling into a dark patch, much wider than our planet. On February 21, AR3950 spit out a pair of X-class solar flares, which are known as the most powerful type of solar flare, with magnitudes of X1.7 and X1.8. On February 22, the same sunspot released a massive X6.3 flare, the most powerful solar explosion recorded in over six years. All three flares caused temporary radio blackouts on Earth, but none of them launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are clouds of magnetised plasma that can ram into Earth's magnetic shield as they fly through space. Also Read | 'Porpoise-ful' mistake: Porpoises, not methane, may be responsible for mysterious pits in North Sea If any of these explosions had launched a CME at Earth, the resulting plasma clouds could have triggered severe geomagnetic storm disturbances in Earth's magnetic field that can trigger solar radiation to impact ground-based infrastructure, trigger stunning aurora displays and cause satellites to tumble back to Earth. Since the triple X-class flares, AR3590 has continued to grow, almost doubling in size. It is now one of the largest sunspots of the current solar cycle, which began in 2019, Spaceweather.com reported. According to Spaceweather.com, initial expectations of intensified solar activity in the sunspot's magnetic field, potentially leading to X-class solar eruptions, have yet to materialise. Instead, there have been only a few minor M-class flares observed since the triple flares occurred. This indicates the possibility of the sunspot accumulating energy for a larger eruption. Also Read | 'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures; it is expected to go dark soon Spaceweather.com notes that the immense sunspot is presently oriented in a manner that aligns it closely with Earth. Consequently, should another substantial X-class flare occur, there is a heightened risk of our planet being directly affected by associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Though AR3590 is not large enough to trigger a dangerous type of solar storm, even if it released a CME that was half as powerful, it could still cause serious problems. And there is a high possibility of this happening in reality. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive sunspot wider than Earth is now aiming directly at us. Is it cause for worry?

A powerful geomagnetic storm, expected to last several days, will hit Earth on October 24. The magnetic storm has a K-index of 6, which corresponds to the red level, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.

A powerful geomagnetic storm, expected to last several days, will hit Earth on October 24. The magnetic storm has a K-index of 6, which corresponds to the red level, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported. Here's everything you need to know about the magnetic storm and how to protect the human body from its harmful effects. Magnetic Storm About To Hit Earth A magnetic storm of K-index 5 enveloped the Earth on October 21, according to reports from NOAA satellite systems, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide. On October 24, the storm will get stronger as it reaches the K-index of 6, corresponding to a red-level magnetic storm. The geomagnetic activity will only subside on Thursday, October 26. What is a Magnetic Storm? Several eruptions and flares on the Sun cause solar energy emissions, leading to increased geomagnetic activity. During this time, the solar energy scatters in different directions, including towards Earth. The energy emitted during these eruptions contains charged particles that can move swiftly through space. These charged particles (protons and electrons) collide with Earth's magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic activity called solar or magnetic storms. ALSO READ | NASA to take 'amusement park' approach to bring Mars samples back to Earth Scientists differentiate magnetic storms by their strength, depending on the flares. While tiny fluctuations are undetectable and classified under storms with K-index 2 or 3, those with K-index 4 and above are noticeable. Storms with a K-index higher than 5 come under the red-level magnetic storm category. Such storms can cause hindrances in satellite operation, GPRS, mobile communication, and electrical grid functioning. Moreover, powerful magnetic storms can cause aurora, a natural light display that shimmers in the sky. Impact of Magnetic Storms Powerful magnetic storms can affect the well-being of people on Earth. Scientists worldwide have been observing the impact of solar storms on human beings, but there is still no consensus. However, numerous researches verified a connection between people's deteriorating health and magnetic storms. Here are the common complaints people make during a magnetic storm: Headaches, migraines, and dizziness Insomnia or excessive sleepiness General weakness and worsened well-being Increased fatigue, decreased concentration, and productivity Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, and aggression However, magnetic storms are more dangerous for astronauts beyond the protective shield of Earth's atmosphere, as the high radiation levels can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. According to medical professionals, people must rest more, get proper sleep, avoid exertion, drink plenty of water and breathe fresh air during a magnetic storm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Giant solar storm to hit Earth on Oct 24. Here's how to protect yourself

A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England. 
 
Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south. 
 
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-to-turn-snowfall-into-extreme-rainfalls-in-high-altitude-regions-risk-of-landslides-study-609833">Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study</a>

As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland. 
 
The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.”

<h2>When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky</h2>

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm&nbsp;and 2 am&nbsp;local time. 
 
The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely&nbsp;as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers.

WATCH |&nbsp;El Nino is coming: Are we ready?

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The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states. 
 
Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.” 
 
You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere.

A solar storm, which has been forecasted on Thursday, is likely to give sky gazers an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights that occur when solar wind hits the atmosphere. The phenomenon is likely to occur in 17 American states, including three in New England. Northern Lights, also called as aurora borealis, are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, however, the 11-year solar cycle which is expected to peak in 2024 will make the lights visible in the south. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks made a forecast about the auroral activity for the regions on Thursday in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. ALSO READ | Climate change to turn snow into extreme rainfalls in high-altitude regions, risk of landslides: Study As per the forecast, if the weather conditions remain favourable, the northern lights will surely illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of these US states - Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland. The report published by the UAF Institute states, “Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis.” When to view Aurora Borealis in the night sky The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Centre stated that people, who are planning to experience an aurora borealis, should move away from city lights and added that the best time to view the phenomenon is between 10 pm and 2 am local time. The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be monitoring the activity closely as the date approaches. NOAA will be publishing its own forecast for assisting potential viewers. WATCH | El Nino is coming: Are we ready? The last such event occurred in the United States in late April. Amid a geomagnetic storm, the aurora could be seen in 30 US states. Explaining the natural phenomena of northern lights, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre said, “Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centred on the magnetic pole of Earth.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Solar storm to make Northern Lights visible in 17 US states. Here's when to watch the spectacle

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a large solar flare erupted from the Sun on June 14 and is on its way to Earth.

This solar storm may cause radio blackout

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. &nbsp;

The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. &nbsp;

This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/committing-crimes-on-moon-or-in-orbit-may-turn-illegal-for-canadian-astronauts-soon-476882" hreflang="en">Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon</a>

It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. &nbsp;

When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms.&nbsp;These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

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As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. &nbsp;

Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. &nbsp;

A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.

On Saturday (May 7), the world may witness minor radio blackouts. Well, if you do, it may be due to a weak solar storm, which will pass through Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. The NOAA gave vital information in a new space weather forecast, the media reports said. This is happening as the sun has been witnessing a heightened activity for some months. Also Read: Committing crimes on Moon or in orbit may turn illegal for Canadian astronauts soon It is currently emitting several powerful solar flares. The giant explosions of plasma, which are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are also released with flares sometimes. When the CMEs pass through Earth, they temporarily compress the magnetic shield of the planet, which causes geomagnetic storms. These can muddle radio waves, take down power grids and damage satellites, a Live Science report said. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? × As per NOAA, the majority of the geomagnetic storms are mild. But the largest CMEs can lead to devastating storms. Usually, the CMEs take around 15 to 18 hours to reach Earth after leaving the sun. A gigantic "cannibal CME", which means two CMEs combined into one, had smashed into Earth in late March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Warning! On May 7, solar storm will pass through Earth, says NOAA. Find out its effects

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert,&nbsp;may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US.

What are auroras?

Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet.&nbsp;

Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora.

Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth.

“Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA &amp; NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm.

USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sunday issued a warning on Sunday alerting everyone about G1-class geomagnetic storm or solar storm. This storm had a K-index of 5. This, said the alert, may have caused Aurora borealis to be visible from few states in the US. What are auroras? Our Sun constantly gives out a stream of highly charged, magnetic particles. Solar storms refer to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). In the case of a solar storm, a flood of magnetic particles travels in the direction of our planet. Our Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful effects of these magnetic particles emitted by the Sun. But these particles are able to interact with magnetic field of the Earth. This interaction results in what is visible from the surface of the Earth as aurora. Though the NOAA gave an alert about the strong solar storm, NASA and NOAA differed in their predictions as to when the storm would impact the Earth. “Fast Hit or Slow? An Earth-directed #solarstorm is on its way to Earth, but NASA & NOAA predictions disagree on impact time. NASA says the impact will be near midnight on March 28, but NOAA believes 18 hours earlier. Either way #aurora could reach to mid-latitudes!" tweeted popular space weather forecaster Dr Tamitha Skov a few days ago.

A solar storm may have caused auroras in the US

Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted.

Solar activity has an 11-year cycle during which it increases and decreases. However, scientists and researchers found that solar storms were of lessened intensity during Cycle 24 which lasted between 2008 and 2019, the Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) were of lesser intensity than those in Cycle 23 (1996-2007).

Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are episodic expulsions of magntised plasma into space.

Scientists have found that average radial size of CMEs in Cycle 24 was just two-thirds of those in Cycle 23.

This was baffling the scientists as decrease in interplanetary gas pressure in space during Cycle 24 should have meant that CMEs should have been more intense than before. But the intensity decreased.

Scientists led by Dr Wageesh Mishra of Indian Institute of Astrophysics have found a reason behind this.

Dr Mishra has been quoted in media reports as saying that interstellar pressure indeed decrease during Cycle 24 but this effect was accompanied by reduction in magnetic content of CMEs. This was the reason why coronal mass ejections were of reduced intensity than in the previous cycle.

The work of these scientists has been published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted.

Sun is a violent, explosive star. It is constantly churning out heat and matter in the form of solar flares. Though Earth's atmosphere shields use from the worst, the solar flares pack enough punch for our satellites to malfunction and power grids to get disrupted. Solar activity has an 11-year cycle during which it increases and decreases. However, scientists and researchers found that solar storms were of lessened intensity during Cycle 24 which lasted between 2008 and 2019, the Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) were of lesser intensity than those in Cycle 23 (1996-2007). Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are episodic expulsions of magntised plasma into space. Scientists have found that average radial size of CMEs in Cycle 24 was just two-thirds of those in Cycle 23. This was baffling the scientists as decrease in interplanetary gas pressure in space during Cycle 24 should have meant that CMEs should have been more intense than before. But the intensity decreased. Scientists led by Dr Wageesh Mishra of Indian Institute of Astrophysics have found a reason behind this. Dr Mishra has been quoted in media reports as saying that interstellar pressure indeed decrease during Cycle 24 but this effect was accompanied by reduction in magnetic content of CMEs. This was the reason why coronal mass ejections were of reduced intensity than in the previous cycle. The work of these scientists has been published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.

Scientist find reason why solar storms decreased in last decade

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong. The majority of people likely weren't even aware it happened.

Magnetic field disturbances occurred over the course of a few hours but did not last long, according to the American agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-racing-pigeons-disappear-in-mysterious-solar-storm-395031">Thousands of racing pigeons disappear in mysterious 'solar storm'</a>

NOAA reported that the storm had passed through Earth at 16:41 UTC (22:11 IST) with a geomagnetic K-index of 4. Geomagnetic storms are measured using the K-index, and a level of 4 indicates a minor disturbance.

As a result of the solar storm, NOAA said that power grid fluctuations occurred and that auroras should be observed at high latitudes like Canada and Alaska. However, no sightings have been reported by the local American media.

The geomagnetic waves propagated by solar storms are invisible and harmless to those on Earth's surface, but they can disrupt power grids, jam radio communications, bombard airline crews with deadly radiation, and&nbsp;interfere with critical satellite communications.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported Wednesday night that the Earth was enveloped in a dense stream of solar wind, though no notable impact was manifested as the event was not particularly strong. The majority of people likely weren't even aware it happened. Magnetic field disturbances occurred over the course of a few hours but did not last long, according to the American agency. Also read | Thousands of racing pigeons disappear in mysterious 'solar storm' NOAA reported that the storm had passed through Earth at 16:41 UTC (22:11 IST) with a geomagnetic K-index of 4. Geomagnetic storms are measured using the K-index, and a level of 4 indicates a minor disturbance. As a result of the solar storm, NOAA said that power grid fluctuations occurred and that auroras should be observed at high latitudes like Canada and Alaska. However, no sightings have been reported by the local American media. The geomagnetic waves propagated by solar storms are invisible and harmless to those on Earth's surface, but they can disrupt power grids, jam radio communications, bombard airline crews with deadly radiation, and interfere with critical satellite communications.

Earth was engulfed by solar wind for a few hours: NOAA

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