Solar storm. Artwork of the Sun (left) and Earth (right), showing emanations from the Sun representing the increase in activity seen at the peak of the 11-year solar cycle. This occurs in the form of large solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These can have serious effects on Earth as the charged particles can damage communication satellites and affect power grids. The next peak in solar activity is due in 2012-13. The distance between the Sun and the Earth, and their relative sizes, is not to scale here.