Solar activity and its influence on the Earth
Solar activity is the set of sunspots, flares, prominences and changes in the corona; its source is the Sun’s magnetic field. A flare is the release of magnetic energy within minutes, emitting much X-ray and ultraviolet light; the light reaches the Earth in ≈ 8 minutes and can disrupt radio communication. A coronal mass ejection (CME) is the expulsion of billions of tonnes of plasma at 400–3000 km/s; it reaches the Earth in 1–4 days and can cause a geomagnetic storm. The Earth’s magnetic field (magnetosphere) protects us, but particles enter the atmosphere near the poles and create the aurora; in a strong storm auroras are seen at mid-latitudes too (for example the G5 storm of May 2024, the strongest in two decades). Space-weather effects: satellite and GPS disruption, increased drag, extra currents in power grids (Quebec, 1989), and radiation for astronauts and aircrews. The strongest storm in history was the Carrington event of 1859. Space-weather forecasting helps reduce these risks.
With an adult look at a space-weather service (for example NOAA SWPC) and note the current Kp index and aurora forecast. No Sun observing is needed.