A G-5 level geomagnetic storm, the first since the Halloween Storms of 2003, has struck Earth. 

• This storm was triggered by multiple Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) directed towards Earth.

Geomagnetic Storms 

• Definition: Geomagnetic or Solar storms are disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic field). 
• Classification: Depending on the intensity, they are classified from G1 (Minor) to G5 (extreme). 
• Caused by: These disturbances arise from the interaction of charged particles from Sun with Earth’s magnetic fields, which is triggered by following solar explosions: 
  • CMEs: Primary drivers of the most severe geomagnetic storms.
    • They are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona (the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere). 
    • They usually take place around sunspot groups, which are cooler, highly magnetized areas on the Sun's surface.
    • They typically take 1 to 3 days to reach Earth. 
  • Solar Flares: An intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. 
    • Largest explosive events in our Solar system that can last from minutes to hours.
    • They travel at the speed of light, which takes approximately 8 minutes to reach Earth.