Solar Storm Expected to Hit Earth Soon Could Cause Power Grid, Satellite Disruptions: Agency

Aurora borealis, or northern lights, fill the sky on March 13, 2011 over Finnmark, northern Norway. Tore Meek/AFP via Getty Images

A geomagnetic storm caused by a solar flare is slated to impact Earth this week, potentially causing disruptions to power grids and satellite communications, according to the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center.

The agency, which is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, issued a geomagnetic storm watch, noting that “moderate” conditions could be possible on Monday and Tuesday “due to the anticipated arrival of a CME,” or coronal mass ejection from the sun.