Experts have allayed the fears of many believers that a gigantic "killer solar flare" could destroy Earth in 2012, when the solar activity ramps up its standard 11-year cycle, noting that the sun does not have enough energy to send a killer flare 93 million miles to destroy Earth.

According to scientists, such an 11-year solar cycle has occurred but no Apocalypse has happened. They added that the next solar maximum is predicted to occur not in 2012 but in late 2013 or early 2014.

However, even if the explosive heat of a solar flare cannot affect our planet, its electromagnetic radiation and energy particles can, scientists say. Solar flares can cause disruptions on signal transmissions and propel bursts of particles and electromagnetic fluctuations into Earth's atmosphere.

This phenomenon, known as coronal mass ejection (CME) could be disruptive as it can induce electric fluctuations that could blow out transformers in power grids, collide with electronics in satellites and disrupt their systems, and even affect airplane navigation.

But just like with other catastrophes, advance information and proper precautions can lessen the effects of a solar flare. These advance warnings can be provided by scientists at NASA and the NOAA, which are continuously improving their space weather monitoring systems to be able to give accurate space weather bulletins.