FIRST X-FLARE OF THE NEW SOLAR CYCLE

[platinumdude]

http://www.spaceweather.com/

Sunspot 1158 has unleashed the strongest solar flare in more than four years. The eruption, which peaked at 0156 UT on Feb. 15th, registered X2 on the Richter scale of solar flares. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded an intense flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation, circled below:

X-flares are the strongest type of solar flare, and this is the first such eruption of new Solar Cycle 24. In addition to flashing Earth with UV radiation, the explosion also hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) in our direction. The expanding cloud may be seen in this movie from NASA's STEREO-B spacecraft. Geomagnetic storms are possible when the CME arrives 36 to 48 hours hence. Stay tuned for updates.

[Neuro]

It should be here pretty soon then!

[sirgonzo420]

bring it on!

[keehah]

Yahoo: Huge solar flare jams radio, satellite signals: NASA (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110217/sc_afp/usastronomytelecomnasachina)

– Thu Feb 17, 7:45 am ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A powerful solar eruption that triggered a huge geomagnetic storm has disturbed radio communications and could disrupt electrical power grids, radio and satellite communication in the next days, NASA said.

A strong wave of charged plasma particles emanating from the Jupiter-sized sun spot, the most powerful seen in four years, has already disrupted radio communication in southern China.

The Class X flash -- the largest such category -- erupted at 0156 GMT Tuesday, according to the US space agency.

"X-class flares are the most powerful of all solar events that can trigger radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms," disturbing telecommunications and electric grids, NASA said Wednesday.

Geomagnetic storms usually last 24 to 48 hours -- but some could last for many days, read a statement from the US National Weather Service.

"Ground to air, ship to shore, short-wave broadcast and amateur radio are vulnerable to disruption during geomagnetic storms. Navigation systems like GPS can also be adversely affected."

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory said it saw a large coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the flash blasting toward Earth at about 560 miles per second (900 kilometers per second).

The flare spread from Active Region 1158 in the sun's southern hemisphere, which had so far lagged behind the northern hemisphere in flash activity. It followed several smaller flares in recent days.

"The calm before the storm," read a statement on the US National Weather Service Space Weather Prediction Service.

"Three CMEs are enroute, all a part of the Radio Blackout events on February 13, 14, and 15 (UTC). The last of the three seems to be the fastest and may catch both of the forerunners about mid to late ... February 17."

The China Meteorological Administration reported that the solar flare caused "sudden ionospheric disturbances" in the atmosphere above China and jammed short-wave radio communications in the southern part of the country.

The CMA warned there was a high probability that large solar flares would appear over the next three days, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) said meanwhile that the solar storm would result in spectacular Northern Lights displays starting Thursday...

A 2009 report by a panel of scientists assembled by NASA said that a sustained and powerful solar flare outbreak could overwhelm high-voltage transformers with electrical currents and short-circuit energy grids.

The report, titled "Severe Space Weather Events -- Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts" warned that such a catastrophic event could cost the United States alone up to two trillion dollars in repairs in the first year -- and it could take up to 10 years to fully recover.

[Twisted Titan]

In addition to flashing Earth with UV radiation, the explosion also hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) in our direction.

Isnt that what destroyed the earth in that Nicholas cage move "Knowing"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdL2H_XFP0g

[keehah]

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2011/02/18/science-aurora-solar-storm.html#ixzz1EN705A8H

The lights were the result of a geomagnetic storm caused by three solar flares that blasted toward Earth from the sun between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15, including what NASA called the largest solar flare in four years. The three apparently merged before their arrival, reported the Space Weather Prediction Center run by the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

"What might have been three hits … seems to have merged to be just one interplanetary shock," its website said.

NOAA reported one limited blackout of radio communication in the past 24 hours as a result of geomagnetic activity.

Space Weather Canada reported stormy periods in the band of northern latitudes called the auroral zone between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. ET Friday. The Earth's geomagnetic field in that region remained "active" through the morning due to its interaction with the solar particles, the agency's website said.

Lorne Mckee, a forecaster with Space Weather Canada, said elevated activity is expected in the auroral zone for the "next night or so."

This particular storm was considered "moderate," he added.

Geomagnetic storms have been rare over the past few years because we were in a less active period of the solar cycle, Mckee said.

[General of Darkness]

OK, stupid question should people remain indoors?

I'll be out doors for about 10 hours in the next 14 hours, should I worry?

[keehah]

No need to worry, you already had the worst of it.
I noticed some lighting in the clouds last night. Which is rare this time of year.

Just the tail and ring current particles drifting in now.

[AOW]

Wear a tinfoil hat just in case. Take pics too.

[General of Darkness]

Wear a tinfoil hat just in case. Take pics too.


Will your moms panties work? I can take picture after she picks up her welfare check. ;D