Stormy Skies

The most powerful solar flare in seven months erupts into space on March 6 in this false-color image from the Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. The flare, which is caused by magnetic storms in the Sun's outer layers, also produced an eruption of charged particles that is headed earthward, and could cause disturbances in Earth's magnetic field within a few days. An outburst from a smaller flare, on March 4, is already hitting Earth, with the greatest disturbances expected early March 8. Solar storms can damage or disable orbiting satellites, knock out power grids and some forms of radio communication on the surface, and force airlines to reroute some flights to avoid high levels of solar radiation. [NASA/SDO/AIA]