Coronal mass ejections occur due to disturbances of the sun's magnetic fields. The turbulence in the sun interior and the charged particles of the plasma cause distortions in the magnetic field contorting them like a twisted cord. Due to the stress, the magnetic fields ocassionally 'snap' and rearrange themselves. During this process, billions of tons of charged particles (plasma) are ejected out the surface of the sun.
Coronal mass ejection is dangerous when they hit the earth. They can cause disruptions of the earth magnetosphere. This can disrupt equipment that utilizes the earth magnetic poles to navigate including birds. In addition, induced electric current on the electricity grid and technological equipment can result in their collapse and as a consequence a lot of disruption to or collapse of daily life on earth.
