The Earth is being struck by high energy particles from the biggest solar storm since 2005. These radiation storms can affect satellite communications, power grids and any aircraft flying near the poles. These events are harmless to humans on Earth but could be dangerous to any astronauts in orbit, this time the crew on the International Space Station were advised not to take any precautions.

When these high energy particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere they produce auroras also known as the “Northern and Southern Lights”. In the northern hemisphere they produce spectacular light shows around the Arctic Circle. Due to the strength of the storm it was predicted that auroras would be visible as far south as Michigan and Maine but unfortunately they did not reach the continental US. Spectacular auroras were seen in Canada, Norway and even as far south as Scotland and Northern England.

These solar storms are caused by a build up of magnetic energy on the sun’s surface which causes massive ejections of charged particles, these events are known as a CME or Coronal Mass Ejection. In the past they have been known to wipe out power grids and communication systems when they strike Earth.

It is predicted that in 2013 the Sun will reach a peak of activity and could unleash unprecedented levels of highly charged energy towards the Earth.

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