Huge solar storm is hurtling towards Earth

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred on the evening of October 8 and is expected to impact Earth today, October 10.

CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun's corona. When they are directed toward Earth, they can cause magnetic storms.

One of the most common manifestations of a CME's impact on Earth is the appearance of auroras.

According to NOAA, the aurora phenomenon can be observed in most areas of the northern United States, even as far as Alabama and northern California.

This solar storm could also disrupt GPS systems, radio signals and affect power grids.