Powerful magnetic storm to hit Earth on Friday

NASA image of the Sun — The sun is most likely going into hibernation as the latest unusual solar readings, including fading sunspots and weakening magnetic activity near the poles suggest that we are headed towards a solar event that hasn't happened in hundreds of years. Reuters

The most energetic solar flare in five years is expected to unleash a powerful magnetic storm that will come down to Earth on Friday, said a media report.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory reported that a giant solar flare had erupted from the sunspot numbered 1158 on Feb. 13. The flare belonged to the category of X class solar flares which are regarded as the most energetic solar flares.

So far, 12 such powerful magnetic storms have hit the Earth since 2000, disrupting the work of energy systems and radio communication, reported the Voice of Russia, quoting the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Besides, the high-level magnetic storms will make polar lights visible as far as the equator, the report said.

The last occurrence of such storm was reported on September 11, 2005.

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