Solar storms are sending radiation towards the Earth that could knockout satellites, disrupt power supplies and create auroras

Astronomers say that solar winds will be affecting the Earth and most of its sister planets until the end of this week, however, they believe that there is no correlation between the Earth’s temperature spikes and the solar storms.

The winds are said to be travelling at the speed of light.

Space experts have issued a series of warnings about unusually high solar activity, which could affect satellites and disrupt power supplies.

The American Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) monitors the surface of the sun and observed a huge eruption late last week.

This sent a stream of radiation hurtling towards the Earth, which is likely to continue bombarding the planet in the coming days.

As well as causing potential disruption, the activity has also fuelled the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, which have been visible further south than is usual.

HOW IT COULD IMPACT EARTH 

Solar flares can damage satellites and have an enormous financial cost.

Astronauts are not in immediate danger because of the relatively low orbit of this manned mission.

They do have to be concerned about cumulative exposure during space walks.

The charged particles can also threaten airlines by disturbing the Earth's magnetic field.

Very large flares can even create currents within electricity grids and knock out energy supplies.

The first warning, issued by SWPC on Sunday, spoke of 'an interplanetary shock, likely associated with the arrival of a 'coronal mass ejection' that was first observed on Friday, at around 6:15 am BST (1:15 am EST). 

The initial warning was of a 'minor solar storm' headed for the planet, but this was upgraded to a moderate threat.

That warning was repeated yesterday evening and experts believe these conditions could continue into Wednesday.

Possible effects include power grid fluctuations, orientation problems for spacecraft and interference with radio transmissions.

One of the more pleasant affects, however, has been an increase in the beautiful displays of The Northern Lights.

These are caused when charged particles from the enter the earth's atmosphere. 

The reason why this often happens near the two poles is because that's where the earth's magnetic field is the weakest.

The particles from the sun then transfer energy to oxygen and nitrogen on Earth, and to get rid of some of the energy, they cast off photons which cause the colour display.

Among those lucky enough to spot the natural light display were night owls in Michigan.

WHAT ARE AURORAS? 

There are two types of auroras - Aurora Borealis, which means 'dawn of the north', and Aurora Australis, 'dawn of the south.'

The lights are created when charged particles from the sun enter Earth's atmosphere.

Usually the particles are deflected by the Earth's magnetic field, but some enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles.

These collisions emit light, in many colours although pale green and pink are common.