The Northern Lights could be on their way to Earth thanks to an intense solar storm, which is expected to disrupt GPS, communication networks, and power grids.
A solar storm is an explosion of particles, magnetic fields, energy, and material blasted into space by the sun, which can interfere with Earth’s magnetic fields, says NASA.
The storm has already disrupted the communications and satellite systems of the British Geological Survey (BGS).
The organization warned that a second geomagnetic "cannibal storm" could follow the first and reach the UK by early afternoon.
The storm is expected to be one of the biggest in 20 years and has already created the biggest geoelectric field at ground level since BGS records began.
The storm brings with it the stunning Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, which were spotted by some lucky stargazers in the UK last night.
Aurora Borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
The same is predicted to happen again tonight, so long as skies remain clear and dark.
Those in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are said to have the best shot at seeing the lights, the BGS says.
Cloud is expected in other areas, but the Met Office says it may clear up for long enough to give those in southeast England a rare glimpse at the lights.
It can take as little as 17 hours for solar storms from the sun to reach Earth, but it can sometimes take far longer.
This storm could hit the highest level of G5, which, according to the BGS, can lead to possible power blackouts, GPS failures lasting days, and issues orienting spacecraft.
According to NASA, solar storms do not harm humans as the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere provides protection from the worst of its effects.
