Those space tornadoes can still harm Earth’s electrical grids and digital systems. The resulting data indicates that these space tornadoes aren’t to be trifled with, either. The team’s models suggest that many of these space tornadoes form as CMEs and pass through slower moving solar wind. A CME on the side of the sun that is opposite to Earth is still liable to create smaller space tornadoes whose path is eventually directed towards the planet. “If there are hazards forming out in space between the sun and Earth, we can’t just look at the sun,” said Akhavan-Tafti.