A historically huge sunspot has unleashed a flurry of super-powerful solar storms directly toward our planet. When they hit this weekend, they will shake up our magnetic shield and trigger widespread auroras over North America, experts predict.
At least five of the recent solar flares, including the X2.2 explosion, have launched clouds of plasma and radiation, known as coronal mass ejections , directly toward Earth, Spaceweather.com reported. When they reach us, the CMEs will smash into our planet's magnetic field, causing a temporary weakening of our protective shield, known as a geomagnetic storm.
At the peak of the upcoming disturbance, the northern lights could cover parts of the U.S. as far south as Alabama, FOX Weather reported. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.G4 storms can occur every few months during the sun's most active phase. However, they are notoriously hard to predict. This is the first time that the SWPC has released an advanced G4 warning since January 2005, Earth.com reported.