A major geomagnetic solar storm that could knock out the power grid and internet is heading for a “direct hit” with Earth within hours.
Prediction models from both NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show the storm hitting on Thursday, April 14.
Solar storms happen after explosions in the Sun’s atmosphere that then send out huge bursts of energy through solar flares, also known as a coronal mass ejection.
READ MORE: Urgent solar storm alert sparks Ireland blackout fears as NASA warns of 'direct hit' on Earth
According to NOAA, solar coronal mass ejections involve a billion tons or so of plasma from the sun, with its embedded magnetic field, arriving at Earth.
The storm scale ranges from G1 to G5 and at its strongest can cause blackouts as electricity grids collapse, satellite navigation to go down and other major electrical problems.
Some researchers have also warned that a severe solar storm could create an “internet apocalypse”, where parts of the world could go into internet darkness for weeks or even months.
Space Weather Physicist Dr Tamitha Skov has predicted the solar storm will be at G2 levels by the time it reaches Earth on Thursday.
She said it is not expected to have any major impact but could cause some disruption to GPS systems.
The storm could also cause auroras like the Northern Lights to be seen over Ireland.
She wrote on Twitter: “Direct Hit: Solar storm prediction models from both NOAA and NASA show the storm hits April 14, just ahead of a fast solar wind stream! This should intensify the storm as the stream will give it a push from behind!
“The incoming solar storm could bring aurora to mid-latitudes April 14 to 15. Chances of reaching G2-level conditions are 80% at high latitudes and 20% at mid-latitudes.
“Radio blackout risk remains low, but amateur radio operators and GPS users face disruptions on Earth's nightside.”
It comes as the British Met Office advised counties in the north of Ireland to be on the lookout for the Northern Lights.
It said: “Enhancements in the auroral oval are possible over the next couple of days. Aurora may be visible under clear skies across Scotland and perhaps parts of far northern England and Northern Ireland.”
READ MORE: Experts say Northern Lights will be visible in Ireland tonight following 'strong' solar storm
READ MORE: Space forecasters warn of solar storm as 'canyon of hot plasma' predicted to lash into Earth in days
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