A solar storm that is fast approaching Earth could lead to major disruptions, experts fear.
The storm is heading straight for a "direct hit" with Earth with the latest models from both NASA and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) saying that it could strike on April 14.
An urgent alert was previously issued by NOAA for a geomagnetic storm, which it said stemmed from a flare that erupted from the Sun’s surface, the Irish Mirror reports.
Read more: Aurora Borealis Dublin forecast as Northern Lights to be visible over Ireland
The organisation classed the storm as G3, which is considered strong, and said that activity from the storm will last from April 10 to April 12.
The storm scale goes up to G5 and at its strongest can cause blackouts as electricity grids collapse, satellite navigation to go down and other major electrical problems.
It is also expected that these storms could cause auroras like the Northern Lights.
As a result of the solar storm, the aurora borealis could be visible in the north of Ireland tonight if skies are clear.
The British Met Office 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 on the night of 10th into 11th April.
“The aurora oval is expected to gradually decline later on 11th and during 12th April, with aurora sightings becoming less likely.”
There are now fears a second storm could hit Earth on April 14.
Space weather physicist Dr Tamitha Skov wrote on her Twitter account: “Direct Hit: Solarstorm 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!”
She added that it could reach G2 levels, which runs a low risk of radio ‘blackouts’.
“The incoming solarstorm could bring aurora to mid-latitudes April 14-15. 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.”
NOAA defines a solar storm, also known as a geomagnetic storm, as a “major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth”.
Read more: Wolf Moon 2022: What time will it be most visible in Irish skies?
Read more: Dublin boffins help with new star gazing telescope to replace Hubble
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
