ISLAMABAD: The planet Earth has been surrounded by a solar storm, revealed the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Commission (Suparco), which may put communications satellites at risk. 

The geomagnetic storms are on Earth's path due to material and energy emitted from the Sun which threatens the satellites, power grids and space stations.

According to Suparco spokesperson, three Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are currently on their way to Earth. The first two M-class solar flares were launched on August 7. 

Initial CMEs were relatively minor but the third X1.3-class solar flare is much more powerful than these, said the spokesperson, adding that more M-class flares have been released from the surface of the Sun. 

The effects of plasma and magnetic waves from the Sun’s surface are expected to reach Earth over the next three to four days.

As the sun reaches the peak of its activity, earth also faces risks related to storms as they cause radio blackouts, disabled satellites, and cellular phone and GPS networks.