Solar Winds Blow Past Earth

 Solar Winds Blow Past Earth

    A few years ago, science experts warned that some people might have trouble with their TV and phone services due to a huge explosion on the sun. Even though that never happened, it is true that explosions on the sun, called solar flares, can affect Earth.

    Solar flares are giant explosions on the sun's surface. They occur in places where the sun's energy is very strong. The flares send brilliant blasts of gas and energy into space. These blasts, called solar wind, blow through the solar system.

    Problems can occur when energy from solar wind reaches Earth. These winds can harm satellites, create power failures, and even cause problems with cell phones.

    luckily, a magnetic field surrounds Earth. This is what causes compass needles to point north. It acts as a strong shield to protect against solar winds. However, sometimes a small amount of energy from a solar wind makes it through Earth's atmosphere. This usually happens near the north or south poles. When this happens, people can see the northern or southern lights. These beautiful lights look like red, and pink clouds in the night sky.