'Cannibal' Coronal Mass Ejection Could Be Moving Toward Earth Following Series of Explosions Over Sun's Surface; Radio Blackouts, Auroras, Power Cuts May Occur

A "cannibal" solar storm cloud could be nearing Earth following various explosions, or solar flares, over the surface of the Sun. This could lead to strong radio blackouts, auroras, and power cuts.

Solar Flares Explained

Solar flares are massive electromagnetic radiation bursts that take place when entangled magnetic field lines over the solar surface release energy. Such solar flares can last for just minutes but can also go on for hours. These flares are typically seen through their released light. Monitoring of these flares is typically done through optical light and x-rays.

These solar flares are classified based on their strength and intensity. The weakest types of solar flares are classified as A-class flares. They are followed by B-class, M-class, and X-class flares. M-class flares are moderate ones, while X-class ones are the most intense bursts.

Both M-class and X-class flares are typically accompanied by large solar plasma ejections called coronal mass ejections (CMES). In essence, these are clouds of magnetic and electrified gas that move into space at a rate of 1,250 miles per second. The particles that the CMEs move along could cause damage to astronauts or electronic equipment. CMEs also have the capacity to deform the magnetic field of the Earth and even induce electrical currents within the planet, known as geomagnetic storms.

Though solar flares could be accompanied by CMEs and other phenomena of the sun, they have also been observed to separately occur.

When these ejections are directed towards the Earth, they can take hours to arrive. However, slower ones may require several days before reaching Earth.

Cannibal Coronal Mass Ejection

In the past few days, activity bursts have been observed over the solar surface. There have been various moderately intense M-class solar flares happening in a series.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has projected that at least three of these clouds of solar storms may strike the Earth on Tuesday. These could potentially lead to moderate geomagnetic storms all over the planet.

However, because of their quick succession in firing, scientists have warned that there is a minimal chance that these CMEs will end up piling up and forming a cannibal coronal mass ejection.

These cannibal CMEs take place when one CME that is fast-moving engulfs another CME in front of it that is slow-moving. Such a pileup could lead to geomagnetic storms that are even stronger.

According to NOAA, such solar activities have been known to affect communications, geomagnetic systems, and satellite operations. However, thanks to the atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere of the Earth, the Earth is widely protected from such projection effects. Hence, these storms are likely to be experienced as potential power cuts as well as auroras in higher latitudes.

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