Solar eruptions may trigger geomagnetic storm on Earth this Friday

The Sun recorded three M-class solar eruptions between Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6, following a period of lower activity. These moderate-intensity explosions occurred in solar regions AR4545 and AR4549, causing radio communication disruptions in sunlit areas of Earth.

Models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the WSA-ENLIL model, indicate that a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a release of plasma and magnetic fields—may reach Earth this Friday, May 9. If this material interacts with Earth's magnetosphere, it could trigger a geomagnetic storm.

Potential impacts include temporary interference with satellite operations, GPS systems, and radio-dependent technologies. Such an event could also expand the visible area of auroras.