The sunspot spawned what's called a coronal mass ejection, sending tons of radiation and highly energized particles into space.

CNN: Sun lets loose monumental flare

An eruption of hot plasma from the sun, called a coronal mass ejection, which could do damage to electricity grids over an entire continent, might fit the bill.

ECONOMIST: Disasters are about people and planning, not nature��s pomp

This past weekend saw a particularly stunning display following a phenomenon known as a coronal mass ejection, where the sun spews a burst of particles into space that reach Earth one to three days later.

CNN: Northern lights dazzle Northern Hemisphere

Scientists are gathered this week to discuss a relatively underappreciated threat to our well-being, the impact a huge solar flare (also known as a solar mass ejection (SME) or solar electromagnetic pulse (EMP)) directed at Earth could wreak upon our modern technology.

FORBES: Huge Solar Flares Could Spell Catastrophe for Earth

So long as there is no popular backlash against Mr Sharif's ejection, especially by the country's lawyers, who provoked mass protests against General Musharraf earlier this year, she may agree to this provided the general sheds his uniform by early next year at the latest.

ECONOMIST: Pakistan