(CBS/AP) WASHINGTON - The largest solar storm in five years is racing toward Earth, threatening to unleash a torrent of charged particles that could disrupt power grids, GPS and airplane flights.
The sun erupted Tuesday evening, and the effects should start smacking Earth between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. EST Thursday, according to forecasters at the federal government's Space Weather Prediction Center. They say the storm, which started with a massive solar flare, is growing as it speeds outward from the sun.
"It's hitting us right in the nose," said Joe Kunches, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He called it the sun's version of "Super Tuesday."
Scientists say the sun has been relatively quiet for some time. And this storm, while strong, may seem fiercer because Earth has been lulled by several years of weak solar activity.
"This is a good-size event, but not the extreme type," said Bill Murtagh, program coordinator for the space weather center.
2 comments:
Will we notice anything visible or be able to tell when the storm hits earth?
It already hit early this morning. From what I've read it will increase northern and southern lights. Affect navigation systems on airplanes and gps. It was a glancing blow so some interruption to electrical signals but not too bad I don't think.
Probably going to interfere with satellites also and communication.
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