Blast From The Sun Could Disrupt Communications

Solar Flare Triggers Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch

Blast from the Sun Could Disrupt Communications

NOAA Warns of Potential Blackouts

A dramatic blast from the sun set off a geomagnetic storm in Earth's atmosphere on Friday that is expected to bring spectacular celestial light shows in skies from the Arctic to the Antarctic. The storm, which has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch, is the most powerful in more than two decades.

NOAA space weather forecasters have observed at least four X-flares from the sun in the past 24 hours, the strongest type of solar flare. These flares, which can release billions of tons of energy into space, can trigger geomagnetic storms when they interact with Earth's magnetic field.

A geomagnetic storm of this size could disrupt communications, including GPS, satellite communications, and power grids. In 2003, a similar storm caused blackouts in Sweden. NOAA is urging people to take precautions, such as having backup communications plans and avoiding travel to high-latitude areas where the storm is expected to have the greatest impact.

The storm is expected to last for several days, and NOAA will continue to monitor its progress and issue updates as needed.