Scientists have issued a geomagnetic storm warning in light of a massive X-class solar storm that is headed towards Earth. Although early calculations predict that most of the solar storm will skim past Earth, solar discharges are typically unpredictable. A solar flare or solar storm is a brief eruption of high-energy radiation from the Sun's surface. A large solar storm, if directed right at Earth, could knock out energy grids, power lines and tamper with broadcasting waves from satellites and radio towers.

Tom Berger, director of the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado isn't too worried about the solar flare. Berger said that Earth hasn't seen a solar flare of this magnitude in quite some time, but there is little to worry or panic about.  

"There's been a giant magnetic explosion on the sun," Berger said. "Because it's pointed right at us, we'll at least catch some of the cloud"

The solar storm is estimated to be moving at about 2.5 million miles per hour, which means that it could hit the Earth sometime on Friday, Berger said.

Although in principle a solar flare could be damaging to Earth, it is always fascinating to be able to witness the power and mystery of our solar system. The Sun is giant ball of burning gas that is unpredictable and occasionally temperamental. The utter lack of control that Earth has in respect to space debris of solar storms is just one example of how vast and powerful the universe is.

One bright side of the massive solar storm is that the aurora borealis will be out in full force for those who live in the northern parts of America and Canada. A solar storm is the perfect time to witness the colorful lights in the sky. For the sake of those who live too far south to see the skylights, northerners are asked to please take pictures so the rest of us can enjoy as well.

For now scientists are saying that this storm is merely a false alarm and there is nothing to be worried about. There may come a time in the future when quick preparations must be made to ensure that citizens will be able to maintain power, but now is not that time.