Solar Dynamics Observatory this Friday confirmed a coronal hole at the topmost layer of the sun. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials, as the coronal hole continues it way westward on the sun’s surface, the solar winds will continue to be strong.

The hole, called the coronal or dark spot, has the size 50 times that of the Earth and its magnetic field is releasing an ultrafast solar wind, that is harmless to humans of Earth but can interfere with some satellite communications and few high-altitude radio signals.

If aimed toward Earth, it could result in 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.

As the coronal hole continues its slow march westward on the Sun’s surface (to the right, from Earth’s perspective), solar winds will stay strong.