Solar storm expected to hit earth on May 6, may trigger partial tech blackout

In a first of this month, a solar storm is likely to hit the Earth on May 6 as a coronal hole has opened up in the Sun, resulting in the release of a huge swarm of cosmic particles.

In a first of this month,  a solar storm is likely to hit the Earth on May 6 as a coronal hole has opened up in the Sun, resulting in the release of a huge swarm of cosmic particles.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that the storm could cause an aurora or polar lights when it arrives. NOAA has classified the storm as G-1 or 'minor'.

However, some experts believe that the consequences of the storm could be far more serious than the appearance of the polar lights. The scientists warn that the solar storm could affect satellite-based technology of the earth. In layman's terms, the planet might witness a partial tech blackout.

Solar winds, which are a stream of particles from the sun can heat the Earth's outer atmosphere causing it to expand. This can affect satellites in orbit, leading to a lack of GPS navigation and mobile phone signal. The surge of particles can also lead to high currents in the magnetosphere, which can lead to higher than normal electricity in power lines, resulting in power failures. The higher amounts of radiation also leave people vulnerable to cancer.