It came from outer space! A solar storm could hit by Thursday

These things can happen–even during a solar minimum!

Here is a time lapse of the sun from August 16 2020:

NOAA analysts have modeled the trajectory this CME.. Their conclusion: It could deliver a glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field on August 20, 2020.. Thurday.

From NOAA:

Clearly, the storm cloud is not heading directly for Earth. However, NOAA models of the CME’s trajectory suggest it could deliver a glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field on August 20th. Minor geomagnetic storms and high-latitude auroras are possible when the CME arrives.

And more reason for no fear: Fortunately, the SWPC noted that the CME was created by a B1-class solar flare, which is the weakest type. This means that only a minor geomagnetic storm would occur if the CME hits Earth.