Solar flare, geomagnetic storm, CME: What are these terrifying things? NASA reveals
Over the last few days, the Earth has suffered the onslaught from a solar flare, a geomagnetic storm and a coronal mass ejection (CME). But what are they and how do they differ? NASA explains.
The last few days have been pretty terrifying for the Earth. Our planet has been suffering from a solar storm onslaught that included two different X-class solar flare eruptions and a geomagnetic storm, all within just a week. This has resulted in radio blackouts in Australia, New Zealand and South America as well as the fascinating aurora displays in the arctic circles. But as we continue to report on the latest solar disturbances, what do these terms actually mean and how are they different from one another? If you've been confused about them as well, don't worry. NASA has come to your rescue...