[image:creazilla]

A massive solar storm is expected to hit Earth on Saturday after NASA recorded a gigantic coronal mass ejection (CME) which is now headed for our planet.

Currently, there are eight different earth-facing active sunspots on the sun, and NASA has now observed one of these spots explode, sending a massive solar flare headed our way. The event occurred on 3 October and the CME is expected to hit us on the 7th October.

To further terrify us, NASA has released a report of the event, and NOAA, which tracks space weather, has issued an accompanying alert.

“It left the sun on Oct. 3rd, propelled by an explosion near the sun’s northeastern limb. The glancing blow could spark a G1-class geomagnetic storm.”

While the storm is expected to hit this weekend, Earth is currently experiencing several minor solar storms. Solar winds have been bombarding us with particles at a speed of 440 kilometres per second for a while now, and recent activity has forced scientists to upgrade them to kp index 5 – which basically means it’s now seen as a fully-fledged geomagnetic storm.

The proof of this can be found on Instagram as recent auroras in Canada and UK have been enthralling locals with their beautiful displays of colour.

NOAA monitors solar activity with its DSCOVER satellite which became operational in 2016 and has since given us insights, and spectacular images of the sun in all its terrifying glory.

Now before anyone freaks out over this, these storms are nothing much to worry about. Besides creating pretty colours in the atmosphere and messing around with some satellite communication, you will likely not even know it hit. But it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen in general, so maybe apply an extra layer just in case.

[source:httech]