During the solstices, when Earth's poles are pointed towards, the Sun, our planet experiences the least geomagnetic storms. In contrast, data collected between 1932 and 2014 shows geomagnetic storms are twice as likely around the times of the equinoxes, according to Space.com.

The Earth is prone to more geomagnetic storms during the spring and fall equinoxes than throughout the solstices.

The sunspot AR3835 erupted on Sunday (Sept. 22) during Earth's equinox when even a glancing blow can cause a geomagnetic storm.

During an equinox, places around the globe experience nearly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime. The second occurrence this year happens on Sunday.