Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) move from the surface of the Sun towards Earth through space. Top: CME is generated as an outflow of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, moving through space to Earth over a matter of hours. Bottom: The magnetic fields of the CME and outflowing solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which shields it from greater effect. This interaction causes the auroras at the poles. (Credit: Hayley Bricker/EarthScope)