Hole the size of FIFTY planet Earths has opened up in the sun, NASA reveals

A hole the size of FIFTY planet Earths has opened up in the sun, NASA reveals
It said the topmost layer of the sun and its magnetic field, the size of 50 Earths, is letting loose an ultrafast solar wind that has kicked off several nights of auroras down on Earth.

Space.com reports the new image from NASA's orbiting Solar Dynamics Observatory, reveals the enormous hole as it was on 10 October taken at an ultraviolet wavelength unseen by the human eye.
The gap in the sun's magnetic field lets out a stream of particles travelling at up to 500 miles per second, kindling a days-long geomagnetic storm upon hitting Earth.

NASA

Sun: The enormous hole as taken at an ultraviolet wavelength unseen by the human eye

If aimed toward Earth, that spells the makings of a geomagnetic storm: a phenomenon that can affect power and navigation for satellites orbiting the Earth as well as radio communication.
Another side effect of a geomagnetic storm is enhanced northern lights: the glowing auroras that often form in the night sky over the northernmost reaches of the planet grow much brighter and can even extend much farther south than usual, said Space.com.

As the coronal hole continues its slow march westward on the sun's surface, solar winds will stay strong, NOAA officials said in a statement, which may lead to additional minor geomagnetic storming. That could mean bright auroras will likely continue around the Arctic Circle.