A few weeks ago, Barack Obama warned the world that solar storms could wipe out our modern way of life.
Well, it could all be happening sooner than we thought. This week, in fact, massive winds kick-started a huge geomagnetic brew-up in space.
Personally, I like to look at the glass half full as opposed to half empty in these situations. Although this could easily cripple power supplies across the globe, it could also make the northern lights visible over the UK. Now, I have waited my entire life for that to happen, so I say this is a good thing! Tonight, you might be able to see it from the comfort of your own home - in the dark. Happy days...
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Image credit: PA
Charged particles are coming from a coronal hole on the sun that is facing Earth.
If our planet's magnetic field were hit by these particles, the effects could include radar and satellite interference. So basically, my weekly call to my parents down south could be a problem. Our TV's would go out and we could be in a spot of trouble considering computers would also be out of use.
According to the US Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC), geometric conditions increased early Tuesday before weakening by midday in the US, although the impact could be felt across the globe.
Warnings were issued after the centre raised a 'serious' G3 level storm alert, which later stabilised to G2 level.
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Here's what a solar flare looks like. This insane footage was captured by NASA on April 17. Apparently, it caused moderate radio blackouts.
Video credit: YouTube/NASA Goddard
A spokesperson from the SWPC said: "Voltage corrections may be required, false alarms triggered on some protection devices.
"Drag may increase on low-Earth-orbit satellites, and corrections may be needed for orientation problems."
The Met Office told The Sun: "Elevated solar winds are expected throughout the period, with G1-G2 minor to moderate geomagnetic storms forecast."
Keep your eyes at the sky tonight as parts of the globe are expected to light up with a pink and green glow.
Unfortunately, it's cloudy in Manchester today, which is just bloody typical.
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Featured image credit: PA
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