Solar storms can destroy satellites with ease - a space weather expert explains the science Severe space weather is messing up bird migrations, new study suggests Related: Solar eruption carves colossal 'canyon of fire' in the sun's southern hemisphere (video) We are of course not without our own natural protection - Earth's magnetic field. 'We can't ignore space weather, but we can take appropriate measures to protect ourselves,' NASA says. Advanced warning of space weather events can help industries implement safeguarding procedures to reduce the risk to both their equipment and workers. During heightened solar activity, the corona is very active and eagle-eyed observers may be able to see solar prominences - gigantic loops of plasma extending outward from the sun - appear as bright pink spots at the sun's edges.Īccurate predictions of solar activity are crucial as geomagnetic storms triggered by plasma outbursts known as coronal mass ejections can affect electrical grids, GPS signals, drag satellites out of orbit and pose a radiation risk to airline workers and astronauts. During totality, when the moon completely obscures the sun's disk, the sun's outer atmosphere (known as the corona) is visible to observers. The revised prediction is good news for eclipse chasers as the total solar eclipse on Apwill occur near the solar maximum. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center's revised Solar Cycle 25 prediction.