WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: The Earth could be buffeted by the effects of a powerful geomagnetic storm, the result of a solar flare- up on the sun's surface. Linda Kennedy has this report.</s>LINDA KENNEDY, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): So far, summer has seen rain and hail, and now solar storms are also set to hit. This image generated by NASA shows an eruption on the sun. It's called a solar flare, and it sent a billion tons of particles into space. Such eruptions are routine, part of a cycle of storms. But though Earth's magnetic fields will protect the planet, this solar eruption is so big that high above us in orbit, equipment for TV and telecommunications may be damaged. (on camera): And scientists have just confirmed the particles have hit the Earth's magnetic field. It's now a question of waiting to see their effect. At its most potent, the solar flare could cause disruption to many satellites. (voice-over): An eruption more then 10 years ago even knocked out power stations in North America. Since, though, suppliers have taken steps to prepare for the impact of particles. And this time, as the storm's not quite so severe, the hope is we won't have to worry.</s>ANDREW COATES, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON: The sun normally emits about one million tons per second of material out into the solar system. In this particular event, we are suddenly getting 10 billions of tons of solar material heading towards us. But we are protected by a magnetic shield upstream of the Earth, so our magnetic field actually stops most of these particles from getting through. It's only the few that can get through that can cause these types of problems.</s>KENNEDY: And all this activity on the surface of the sun has a good effect, too. As so many particles were emitted by this solar flare, they'll produce an effect like the aurora or the northern lights, which, if skies are clear, will be visible around midnight tonight. Linda Kennedy, ITN.
Massive Solar Eruption Could Damage Satellites