Major solar storm warning after the earth was hit by a major explosion from the sun

Earth is in the midst of a solar storm after being hit by ejection from the sun, officials said.

Strong geomagnetic storms have been observed in the past few hours, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a warning.

It rated the storm a G3, which it rates as strong. Such strong storms can cause problems with power systems, problems can be caused to satellites and people in space, and difficulties in using satellite navigation systems and radio can arise.

Such storms can also bring polar lights, such as the Northern Lights. They could be seen at relatively low latitudes during the last storm, officials said.

Migratory animals can also be affected by such storms.

The storm scale goes up to G5. At the strongest levels, power grids could collapse, satellite navigation could go out along with other major electrical problems, and auroras could be seen across much of the world.

Experts have repeatedly warned that people are not adequately prepared for the potential dangers of such an event.

The solar storm came after a coronal mass ejection, or CME, emerged from the sun. Earth went through the affected period two days ago and initially had little impact – but the effects of the storm are finally being seen.

NOAA observed strong geomagnetic storms overnight, it said. The warning should last until Sunday morning.