UNITED KINGDOM -- The sun released a powerful flare and the Earth is caught in a crossfire. The Earth is located at the direction where the solar flare was supposed to pass and it was expected to hit the Earth on Saturday. This solar storm was classified by the experts under a G-2. Such power has the potential to cause delays in radio frequencies, which may cause delays in communications as well. In fact, it could also cause a massive power outage in high areas.
However, its power is not the only thing that it brings with it. This particular solar flare could give people in United Kingdom a taste of the Northern Lights. Known as the Aurora Borealis, people from all over the world travel the distance to witness the elusive Northern Lights. But people in the UK will get a look at it without moving a foot.
The Northern Lights as its name suggests is restricted to the Arctic Circle. However, as this solar storm is more powerful than usual, people in the other part of the world may be able to see it.
The Auroras -- which includes both the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) -- are caused by solar particles that come into the Earth's atmosphere. What most people don't know is that the Earth's atmosphere comes with its own magnetic field that keeps the world safe from the harmful effects of radiation. However, satellite-based technology cannot be protected from the damages that may be caused by solar storms as such.
Solar winds can bring in more heat into the Earth's atmosphere which then causes it to expand. Such expansion greatly affects the satellites that orbit the Earth. It could result in the GPS network not functioning well or the absence of mobile phone technology. Calls couldn't be made and this potentially dangerous to people who may be in an emergency situation and couldn't make a call for help.
In addition to that, the surge of particles that enter the Earth's atmosphere could also lead to an increase in the current in the magnetosphere. This could result in the presence of higher electric voltage in power lines. Transformers and other power stations may not be prepared for it causing them to blow up. Everything else after that becomes unimaginable.
The Northern Lights are such a beautiful gift of nature. Everyone who gets to see it is mesmerized by its beauty. Those in the UK are lucky to be able to witness such beauty at the comforts of their home.
