Sun Spewing

Huge solar storms have been roiling the surface of the Sun for the past few days, and a sunspot complex that has been spewing charged particles directly at Earth continues to grow.

Space weather experts have warned the onslaught of particles could disrupt communication networks and power grids. That hasn't really happened yet, but it still could.

The situation could also continue for some time. The Sun is approaching its maximum in the 11-year solar activity cycle. More activity means more sunspots, which means more potential for outbursts that could affect electrical systems on Earth, and around Earth. Such storms also pose increased radiation risk to astronauts in orbit. The peak in this sunspot cycle is 2013.