A massive solar storm or geomagnetic storm may hit the Earth on May 6, according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As per experts, the solar storm is caused due to three coronal holes in the Sun, which releases cosmic particles. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also confirmed the occurrence stating that the storm could cause northern and southern lights when it arrives. NOAA has classified the impending solar storm as a G-1 or 'minor'.

Going by what researchers have to say, the solar storm could be more serious than just appearance of certain lights. It can affect the satellite-based technology on the earth. And it reports are to go by, the planet could witness a partial tech blackout. It may thus affect GPS tracking, electricity, network on your mobile phone, the signal in satellite TV, etc.

Describing the phenomenon, Space Weather writes, "NOAA forecasters say G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible when the gaseous material arrives." Their website also reads, "Cutting across half of the solar disk, a wide hole in the sun's atmosphere is turning toward Earth and spewing a stream of solar wind toward our planet."

Solar winds, which are a stream of particles from the sun, can cause the Earth's outer atmosphere to heat, causing it to expand. It is a temporary disturbance caused by a solar wind shock wave of the Earth's magnetosphere. The storm is classified into 5 categories - G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5. While G1 is considered to be a minor storm, G5 can result in terrible consequences on earth. Space Weather also warns writing, "High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras, especially in the southern hemisphere when deepening autumn darkness favours visibility of Southern Lights."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2018 08:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).