A sunspot cluster as wide as 16 Earths has shot out at least five eruptions of magnetic fields and solar plasma, several of which may merge to create a cannibal solar storm in Earth's atmosphere this weekend.
Severe solar storms can cause voltage surges in the power grid and affect satellite and high-frequency-radio communications, with adaptations including backup systems, radiation shielding, and temporary operational changes.
The potential new storm could lead to colorful auroras visible from the northern U.S. and possibly the southern states, with the G4 watch in effect starting from midafternoon today until Sunday.
The cause of this activity is a region of very strong magnetic fields underlying the sunspot cluster, according to heliophysicist Erika Palmerio.
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