A solar storm is a surface disturbance that sends charged particles and enormous amounts of energy into space
These storms manifest as coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and solar winds that affect Earth's magnetic field, causing geomagnetic disturbances
Sun's magnetic field flips every 11 years, swapping north and south poles and a full cycle takes 22 years
Like earthquakes, solar storms are classified on a scale from B (weakest) to X (most intense)
When solar storm particles interact with Earth, they can disrupt power grids, radio waves, satellites, and GPS systems
It can lead to long-lasting radiation storms that pose risks to satellites and communication systems
Severe solar storms can induce errors on train tracks and alter traffic lights
During solar storms, communication disruptions may affect radio enthusiasts, pilots, sailors, and drone operators, underscoring the impact of space weather on daily life