Scientists have warned that a geomagnetic storm could potentially impact Earth tomorrow, May 16, 2025.
Earlier this week, a massive solar eruption occurred on the Sun’s northern hemisphere. According to Space.com, the solar blast stretched across an astonishing 600,000 miles (about 1 million kilometers).
Aurora chaser Vincent Ledvina posted on X, describing the eruption—captured by NASA’s solar observation satellites—as resembling a “bird-wing” or “angel-wing event.”
What is a geomagnetic storm?
A geomagnetic storm is a disruption in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar wind emitted from the Sun. These charged solar particles can interact with Earth’s magnetic shield, sometimes disturbing GPS systems, power grids, and satellite operations.
At the same time, geomagnetic storms can result in stunning auroras near the polar regions.
When might this storm affect Earth?
On X, Dr. Tamitha Skov voiced her concerns over recent solar activity, saying the “Earth-facing side of our Sun has been taking a bit of a nap recently” but “but finally did something noteworthy.”
She also shared NASA’s footage of the eruption, commenting: “Check out this gorgeous ‘bird wing’ filament eruption today. Thus far, it looks like it will mostly miss us, but we could get the wake of the structure passing by Earth sometime 16 May.”
Solar physicist Halo CME also weighed in, asking: “Is the Sun waking up again?” on X.
They pointed out that this marks “the first X-class flare since March 28, 2025,” and added: “This is associated with a CME that drives a weak shock wave responsible for a minor SEP event.”
What is a CME?
A coronal mass ejection (CME) is a large burst of solar particles and magnetic energy released during a solar eruption.
Although most of this particular CME appears to be moving away from Earth, scientists believe part of it might brush past our planet on 16 May 2025.
The UK Met Office also indicated there’s a chance that two CMEs, though considered low confidence, could pass near Earth today and tomorrow.
Jake Foster, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explained to MailOnline: “Loops of hot plasma can sprout up from the Sun’s surface, following along its magnetic field lines, and occasionally they break free and shoot off into space at high speeds.”
“These eruptions are huge collections of high energy solar particles, so when they hit the Earth’s atmosphere they can cause a few different effects.”
He further explained: “With enough energy, they have the potential to cause a geomagnetic storm, temporarily blocking out radio communications and satellite navigation in certain areas.
“On the more serious end of the scale, they can cause an overload to electrical infrastructure, damaging the power grid and railway lines, and potentially even sparking electrical fires.”
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