Impending 'Cannibal' CME to Trigger G1-class Geomagnetic Storm on July 18

A "cannibal" coronal mass ejection (CME) formed by two successive solar flares, including a surprise "dark eruption," is heading towards Earth and could cause a significant geomagnetic storm on July 18. CMEs are large clouds of magnetized plasma and solar radiation that can trigger disturbances in Earth's magnetic field, resulting in radio blackouts and vibrant aurora displays. Cannibal CMEs are rare but become more likely during the solar maximum, the peak of the sun's 11-year solar cycle. Earth has already experienced several geomagnetic storms this year, and the approaching solar maximum could bring more intense solar activity.