The sun has unleashed its most powerful solar flare in 7 years, following another supercharged explosion earlier in the week. Both outbursts have launched coronal mass ejections (CMEs) at Earth, which could trigger vibrant aurora displays across large parts of our planet this weekend.

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are normal behavior for the Sun, particularly when it's in the peak of its activity cycle, as scientists believe is the case right now. They often occur in association with each other, erupting from sunspots on the surface of the Sun.