Scientists say charged particles from the sun could disrupt GPS and wireless communications.
Solar flares — large eruptions in dark spots on the sun — have taken place several times this month.
Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology says charged particles and shockwaves released by the eruptions have reached Earth, disrupting its magnetic field.
An institute official says Meteorological Agency data show a magnetic storm occurring in the country from 5 AM on Friday, Japan Time. The official says this could cause GPS devices to malfunction and affect wireless communications.
The official also says charged particles from a large-scale solar flare on Wednesday evening could reach Earth and strengthen the storm.
Scientists say the latest flares have no impact on human health.
A solar flare in 1989 caused massive blackouts in Canada and another in 2003 damaged a Japanese satellite.
Experts say solar flares can also produce auroras where such phenomena are rarely seen, far from Earth’s north and south poles.
Source and image: NHK
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