A solar storm is the major disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field by the effect of a solar flare or solar coronal mass ejection. A solar flare is usually accompanied by a bust of electrically charged particles (icon) and radiations that are ejected from the sun at speeds of thousands of miles per hour. On reaching Earth, these energetic particles and electromagnetic radiations can disrupt high frequency radio communications which are used for both aircraft traffic as well as computers on satellites. Airliners are advised to avoid the North Pole routes because they are more exposed to the storm.