From our view on Earth, outer space is a vast but serene place. However, it has weather that can be as dramatic as hurricanes or tsunamis. A solar radiation storm occurs when the sun emits flares that create a wave of magnetic fields and electrical charges toward Earth. Sometimes, these flares’ effects are unnoticeable to the average person, but sometimes, they can result in a display like the Aurora Borealis, or they can disrupt satellites and electrical power grids. This week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned about the strongest geomagnetic storm hitting Earth in a long time.

The Current Solar Radiation Storm

The solar radiation storm began on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, and caused radio blackouts over North America as well as Aurora Borealis (also known as the northern lights) all over the world. The flares have been emanating from sunspot AR 3664, which has been sending energized particles to Earth over the past several days. Some people wearing solar eclipse glasses were able to see the sunspot. The northern lights and blackouts may continue for the remainder of the week, although they are expected to diminish slowly.

Read More: ‘Anti-Solar’ Cells Could Keep the Power Going at Night

The Largest Flare So Far