ALBAWABA - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare alert about a strong solar storm that might damage US and Canadian communication networks.
Recent NASA measurements have shown strong solar activity, including two intense flares on May 8th. This first warning in over two decades emphasizes the gravity of the problem.
Since Wednesday, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has noted a large cluster of sunspots emitting many solar flares. The center's program coordinator, Bill Murtagh, noted six Earth-directed explosions.
Solar energy is reaching peak in its 25th iteration of an 11-year cycle. Given the present solar cycle's approach to its maximum phase, center space weather expert Rob Steenburgh predicted repeating solar activity.
G4 solar storms are infrequent, with 100 each solar cycle. Steenburgh said that just four G5 storms occur during an average solar cycle.
Murtagh predicted protracted geomagnetic storms throughout the weekend due to further solar outbursts. These geomagnetic disturbances may also cause stunning auroras over Earth.
