Space weather: Solar storm hits Earth

A solar storm has erupted across Earth this week, as a result of a coronal mass ejection from the Sun.

A solar storm, or a geomagnetic storm, is a powerful burst of energy ejected from the Sun, in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections, that then interacts with Earth's magnetic field.

When these solar winds are sent to Earth, they can produce an intense display of northern or southern lights overhead. During the recent event, extraordinary magenta and green aurora were seeing over South Dakota, USA, as pictured above.

Whilst the concept of a solar storm can sound frightening, their impacts on Earth are often minor, owing to the protection of our atmosphere.

Intense solar flares, or solar storms, often coincide with the 11-year cycle of the sun's activity. When it is at its maximum, geomagnetic events are more likely. The next solar maximum is expected to be in 2025.