NASA warns solar storm may hit earth on November 30, can disrupt mobile communications

A solar storm is set to hit Earth on November 30 which may interfere with radio and GPS signals, NASA has warned.

Solar storms are known for causing disruptions in communication. Recent observations reveal that a solar storm, specifically a coronal mass ejection (CME), is scheduled for November 30. CMEs involve the release of solar waves containing highly charged ions capable of damaging satellites and communication systems on Earth.

Meanwhile, NASA has warned that the impending solar storm—a CME may result in a 15-hour-long G2-class solar flare, indicative of a potentially intense solar storm.


According to space weather specialist Dr. Tamitha Skov, during this event, auroras will illuminate the sky due to the intense interaction of CMEs with the thermosphere layer of the atmosphere, where ions are free to move.

Solar storms typically disrupt radio and GPS signals. As a potent eruption of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun's corona, a CME can interact with Earth's magnetic field and ionosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms and auroras.

A post on X by a weather expert noted, "This one is going mainly south of Earth, so minor effects are expected. #Aurora possible at high latitudes, #GPS & amateur #radio impacts minimal."

While the upcoming solar storm on November 30 is predicted to be relatively small, it could still cause disruptions such as blackouts of radio and GPS signals, especially near the poles. Although individually minor, these disruptions can accumulate and become noticeable globally.

Typically, large-scale solar storms have the potential to cause internet disruptions and outages in various regions. Although severe, their effects usually endure for only a few hours.

It's crucial to note that if there were no atmosphere around our planet, these solar storms could potentially damage cells, both in plants and humans, due to radiation. Presently, they don't pose a direct threat to living organisms, but precautions should be taken to prevent any mishaps.