Solar Storm Heading to Earth

Here's What to Know About These Storms

May 10, 2024 Updated 7:27 p.m.

A dramatic blast from the sun set off a geomagnetic storm in Earth's atmosphere on Friday that is expected to bring the northern lights as far south as California, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The solar flare, as captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday, has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm watch for the planet.

This is the first severe geomagnetic storm forecast for Earth in years. Here's what to know about these storms: