Scientists have issued a casual warning that Earth may experience a geomagnetic storm tomorrow, May 16. This alert follows a significant solar eruption observed earlier this week from the Sun's northern hemisphere. According to reports from Space.com, this massive explosion extended nearly 600,000 miles (1 million kilometers) into space.
Aurora chaser Vincent Ledvina shared insights on X, describing the eruption as reminiscent of a "bird-wing" or "angel-wing event." This phenomenon was captured by NASA's solar observation satellites, highlighting the intricate behaviors of solar activity.
But what exactly is a geomagnetic storm? A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth's magnetic field caused by the solar wind emitted from the Sun. As the Sun releases charged particles, these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic shield, leading to potential disruptions in critical systems such as GPS, power grids, and satellites. Interestingly, while these storms can pose technological risks, they also create stunning auroras near the poles, captivating onlookers.
Dr. Tamitha Sjov, a noted space weather physicist, expressed her concerns on X about the Sun’s recent inactivity, stating that the "Earth-facing side of our Sun has been taking a bit of a nap recently." However, she noted that the Sun has finally produced a noteworthy event. Sharing a video from NASA, she remarked on the beautiful "bird wing" filament eruption and indicated that while the storm may primarily miss Earth, we could experience the aftermath of this event on May 16.
Fellow solar physicist Halo CME also engaged the topic on X, questioning whether the Sun is "waking up again." They highlighted that this is the first X-class flare since March 28, 2025, and noted its connection to a coronal mass ejection (CME) that produces a weak shockwave responsible for a minor solar energetic particle (SEP) event.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) is a significant release of solar material and magnetic fields from the Sun. Although most of the CME is directed away from Earth, scientists predict that a portion may graze our planet on May 16, 2025. The Met Office has indicated that there is a possibility of two low-confidence CMEs passing closely to Earth today and tomorrow.
Jake Foster, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained to MailOnline that loops of hot plasma can erupt from the Sun’s surface, following its magnetic field lines. Occasionally, these loops break free and propel into space at high speeds. These solar eruptions contain vast collections of high-energy particles, which, upon reaching Earth's atmosphere, can cause various effects.
Foster elaborated that with sufficient energy, these solar particles have the potential to trigger a geomagnetic storm. This could temporarily disrupt radio communications and satellite navigation in specific regions. On a more severe scale, such storms can overload electrical infrastructure, damaging power grids and railway systems, and can even lead to electrical fires.
