Warning of a solar storm that hits Earth today, could disrupt electricity networks and satellites

Authorities have warned that a massive solar flare is expected to hit Earth on Monday, which could affect power grids, but also means that aurora borealis could be visible in northern England.

The flare – officially known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) – was observed on Saturday on the side of the sun directly facing our planet and comes as we enter a period of increased solar activity.

A warning has been published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that warned that the geomagnetic storm could cause “weak power grid fluctuations” and “erratic satellite orientation” which could increase drag on vehicles in Earth orbit Low.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that a geomagnetic storm is a significant disturbance of the Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is increased activity due to the solar wind in the space environment surrounding the Earth.

They can affect satellites and disrupt global communications, as well as enhance the aurora borealis.

The Met Office said: “Aurora is possible through [the] It is 11th in most parts of Scotland, although the amounts of clouds are increasing, which means it is unlikely to be seen.

They added: “There is a small chance that the aurora borealis will reach the far north of England and Northern Ireland tonight, but the clouds are breaking and therefore more likely to be seen in Northern Ireland.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said its model says they expect it to hit Earth around midday US time (early evening UK time) and last through Tuesday.

Earth is currently in the early stages of a period of increased solar activity.

Astronomers discovered a large group of sunspots on the sun last year, usually indicating a greater chance of solar flares and magnetic activity.

The aurora borealis appeared over the top of Scotland a few weeks ago, with people in Orkney, Murray and the Isle of Lewis taking pictures of the phenomenon.