The incoming storm is due to a small hole – known as a coronal hole – which opened on the Sun’s atmosphere, unleashing a stream of solar particles into deep space. Unfortunately for Earth, we are caught in the travelling direction of the particles and it could have consequences for humanity. The solar storm could result in Southern or Northern Lights – or aurora australis and aurora borealis – depending on which hemisphere the solar winds hit.
As the magnetosphere gets bombarded by solar winds, stunning blue lights can appear over the upper reaches of the Northern hemisphere and the lower parts of the southern hemisphere.
Website Space Weather said: “As Earth exits one stream of solar wind, another stream is on the way. Estimated time of arrival: November 18.
“The gaseous material is flowing from a relatively small hole in the sun’s atmosphere. Polar geomagnetic activity and Arctic auroras are possible this weekend.”
However, the consequences could be far more serious than the appearance of the Northern or Southern Lights.
For the most part, the Earth’s magnetic field protects humans from the barrage of radiation, but solar storms can affect satellite-based technology.
Solar winds can heat the Earth’s outer atmosphere, causing it to expand.
This can affect satellites in orbit, potentially leading to a lack of GPS navigation, mobile phone signal and satellite TV such as Sky.
Additionally, a surge of particles can lead to high currents in the magnetosphere, which can lead to higher than normal electricity in power lines, resulting in electrical transformers and power stations blow outs and a loss of power.
The higher amounts of radiation also leave people vulnerable to cancer.
The biggest storm known to us was the Carrington Event which occurred in September 1859.
During that solar storm, the sun unleashed a series of powerful solar flares that were so powerful telegraph operators’ offices experienced a surge in electricity which resulted in some buildings setting on fire.
The storm was so powerful its southern auroras could be seen as far north as Queensland in Australia and northern auroras were noted as far south as Cuba.