Massive solar storm could cause blackouts in one-two punch from the sun

Posted by. Posted onApril 17, 2025 Comments0
The Sun viewed on 29 January 2025 in the extreme ultraviolet range by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft. A vast 500,000 mile-wide coronal hole has opened in the sun's atmosphere. The area measures over 62 times the diameter of Earth and is now shooting high-speed solar wind toward Earth. When such solar activity is directed at Earth, the resulting geomagnetic storms can potentially disrupt satellite operations, power grids, navigation systems, and radio communications. There may also be spectacular displays of aurora caused as the Earth's magnetosphere is disturbed by the solar wind. According to spaceweather.com, this wind is estimated to hit Earth by Friday (31 Jan), resulting in G1 geomagnetic storm conditions.
The affects are expected to be felt today, with heightened geomagnetic activity being predicted over the next few days (Picture: SDO/NASA / SWNS)

A massive solar storm is set to cause massive blackouts across the UK and the rest of the world today after a rare ‘double punch’ from the sun.

The G3 geomagnetic storm hit Earth on Tuesday, caused by energy, blasted from the Sun to Earth in solar winds.

The effects are expected to be felt today, with heightened geomagnetic activity being predicted over the next few days.

Sometimes this energy breaks into the earth’s atmosphere and makes gases glow to form what we know as the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

This type of solar flare can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals all around the world.

It can even pose risks to spacecraft, astronauts and increase radiation exposure to high-altitude aircrafts.

Star of our solar system 3D illustration close shot. Nebula gases erupting from the Sun's surface. Solar hot energy flares and coronal mass ejections unleash a torrent of searing hot gases into space.
Star of our solar system 3D illustration close shot (Picture: Getty Images)

A geomagnetic storm warning has been issued in the US, with officials saying to prepare for a one-two punch, with both blows expected to strike Earth.

They are ranked by intensity from G1 – the most minor – to G5 being extreme.

In May last year, multiple coronal mass ejections lead to the strongest geomagnetic storm and massively impacted the US precision industry, which uses GPS to help improve crop yields and make farms more efficient.

What is the aurora borealis?

The Northern Lights over Stonehenge in Wiltshire last night (Wednesday) - 16/04/25 Please credit: Nick Bull/pictureexclusive.com Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Paul Jacobs, Picture Exclusive to arrange payment - 07923 866166, pictureexclusive@gmail.com
The Northern Lights are sometimes visible after a geomagnetic storm (Picture: Nick Bull/pictureexclusive.com)

A geomagnetic storm is caused by energy, blasted from the Sun to Earth in solar winds.

Sometimes this energy breaks into the earth’s atmosphere and makes gases glow to form what we know as the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

You are able to see them  if the conditions are right.

The Met Office says: ‘The Northern Lights occur as a consequence of solar activity and result from collisions of charged particles in the solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

‘Solar winds are charged particles that stream away from the Sun at speeds of around one million miles per hour.

‘When the magnetic polarity of the solar wind is opposite to the Earth’s magnetic field, the two magnetic fields combine allowing these energetic particles to flow into the Earth’s magnetic north and south poles.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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