A geomagnetic storm surprised forecasters overnight as material from recent solar eruptions arrived earlier than expected, briefly reaching strong (G3) levels. Now, NOAA has a G3 geomagnetic storm watch in effect as Earth braces for further impacts from multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched in quick succession from sunspot region AR4274.

Fewer states are expected to witness the northern lights on Friday night, as shown in the map above. Experts at NOAA are keeping an eye on Region 4274 as it continues to rotate to face Earth, remaining magnetically powerful and a source of strong solar flares.

Across the universe, energy bursts from distant stars and suns can ripple through space in ways that quietly affect life on Earth.

A powerful solar storm recently struck Venus, stripping its atmosphere due to the lack of a magnetic field. While Earth was spared this time, scientis

A moderate solar flare might affect radio communications on Earth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday.

Scientists warning regarding Earth could face severe disruption as rising solar activity. The storm that stripped Venus's atmosphere could harm Earth too.

New ESA simulations suggest that a solar storm on par with the 1859 Carrington Event could wreak havoc on Earth-orbiting satellites — and it is a question of "when," not "if" this will happen, experts say.