Solar storm rocks Earth
Dramatic blast sets off geomagnetic storm
A dramatic blast from the sun set off a geomagnetic storm in Earth's atmosphere on Friday that is expected to continue through the weekend.
Biggest solar storm in decades
The solar flare, which was captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday, has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch for North America and Europe.
NOAA space weather forecasters have observed at least two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) heading toward Earth. CMEs are large clouds of charged particles that can cause geomagnetic storms when they interact with Earth's magnetic field.
The first CME is expected to arrive early Saturday morning, while the second is expected to arrive later that day.
Geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, communications, and GPS systems. They can also cause auroras, which are colorful displays of light that are visible in the sky.
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