Often, the hot gases accelerated make their way to the Earth and upon collision with the Earth's magnetic field and trapped radiation belts, they produce their own magnetic fields which can modify Earth’s and affect compass readings. This can also 'induce' electricity in long pipelines, or produce electrical surges in power grids leading blackouts (NASA).

 

Solar flares are brief eruptions of dangerous high energy particles and electromagnetic radiation, primarily x-rays. The x-rays disturb the Earth’s ionosphere, which can disturb radio communications. Also, they, along with energetic ultraviolet radiation, heat up the Earth’s atmosphere, making it expand, which can degrade the precision of the Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements (Astronomy 162).

 

Solar storms are also associated with geomagnetic storms. These storms are temporary disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere, caused by interaction with other magnetic fields such as solar flares and CMEs. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to disrupt electrical systems of humans to varying degrees, depending on storm intensity. Communication, navigation and satellite function are especially impeded during these events. A notable demonstration of such dangers is the geomagnetic storm of March 1989, where numerous satellites and even NASA space shuttle Discovery showed evidence of wide fluctuations in both sensor equipment and orbit.