WASHINGTON — A massive solar flare reached the earth Monday, setting off a geomagnetic storm in the planet’s magnetic field. The National Weather service said it is still waiting for reports of impacts from the storm – which could damage satellites, disrupt navigation systems and cause surges in the electric power grid. Space Weather’s Genene Fisher said this planet Earth dodged a big one because the solar flare made a glancing hit that brushed against the planet. A more direct hit could have had more severe consequences, she said. However, it ain’t over until it’s over. 2013 is the peak of solar activity known as the “solar maximum” and the earth will likely get hit by more solar flares, she said.
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.
