Posted: Thu, Oct 23, 2003, 8:42 PM ET (0042 GMT)
A powerful solar storm erupted on the Sun Wednesday and is expected to reach the Earth by Friday with the potential to generate aurorae and disrupt communications. The NASA/ESA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft witnessed the coronal mass ejection (CME) at around 3 am EDT (0700 GMT) Wednesday. The CME is rated a G-3, or "Strong" on the NOAA Space Weather Scale, meaning the event could cause minor disruptions to radio communications and spacecraft operations, as well as generate aurorae at mid-latitudes. The CME is expected to reach the Earth on Friday.

Related Links:

•  SPACE.com article
•  AP article
•  NOAA press release