Identify and explain what type of solar event has just been described. Are the dangers from this solar event more likely to damage satellites, ground-based power grids, and/or unprotected astronauts.

Question

We have detected a major increase in the solar wind from the Sun. The density and speed of material headed towards Earth has increased rapidly. Shortly before this satellites in orbit of the Sun noted a huge bubble of material blasted from the surface of the Sun which then raced off into interplanetary space.

Answer 1

The event this problem is referring to is most likely a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). Coronal Mass Ejections is a phenomena that occurs on the outer solar atmosphere (the corona) and can eject bubbles of gas and magnetic fields. This solar material will impact anything in its way, planet or otherwise. The CME would have to be directed towards Earth in order to cause any damage. Because of the directional dependency of the damage, it most likely will damage satellites, but does absolutely remain a threat to astronauts in space causing harm or death. Luckily, on earth, we are protected by our atmosphere (for now, anyway!).