Solar flare heads toward Earth

A solar flare from sunspot 930 has sent a giant coronal mass ejection directly toward Earth. The X-Class flare is classified as one of the larger outbursts from the sun and it could cause strong geomagnetic storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an advisory reporting a geomagnetic storm in progress that has produced strong radiation blackouts. Strong to severe geomagnetic storming is expected through Friday. The advisory warns of potential disruptions over the next four days. The astronauts on the space shuttle will be safe from the sun's cloud of gas, NOAA said.