Another Solar Flare Headed Our Way

[Mark / Ohio]

Complete Story:  http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/SSA/SEML3F7YBZG_0.html

"5 March 2012
A large solar flare erupted from the Sun earlier today, launching a coronal mass ejection (CME) into space. This plasma 'cloud' is expected to pass Earth in 2 to 3 days, potentially causing increased nighttime auroras. No major effects on Earth are expected."

[DanS]

I was reading this morning about some pretty active sunspot activity going on right now also. I wonder if there is a connection with the flare? I dragged out my scope and snapped a couple of shots of them. Camera doesn't see them as well as the eye does. The news article said this group of spots is approximately 5 earth sizes.

[Weather Display]

I think they are related from what I remember reading about it
i.e as sunspot activity increases, so does the frequency of solar flares
yes?

[SylvaniaWeather]

I'm hoping we get another aura display.  I missed the last one here.  Great picture of the sunspots DanS, make me want to dig out my telescope and see if I can see them with mine.

[SlowModem]

From Yahoo News:

WASHINGTON (AP) — An impressive solar flare is heading toward Earth and could disrupt power grids, satellite navigating systems and airplane flights.

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center said the sun erupted Tuesday evening and the effects should start smacking Earth late Wednesday night, close to midnight EST (0500 GMT). They say it is the biggest in five years and growing.

The magnetic storm has the potential to trip electrical power grids. Its radio emissions can disrupt global positioning systems to make them less accurate. It also could damage satellites. Scientists said communication problems and radiation from the storm will probably force airplanes to avoid flying over the north and south poles. Colorful auroras may be more visible.

I'd love to be able to take a picture like Dan did, but I always seem to have this dark cloud over me.   


..

[Feelgood Ranch]

In late February a solar flare raised havoc with my satellite internet for about 24 hours...experienced slow and erratic up and downloads.  Within 24 hours everything cleared...FWIW.

[WeatherHost]

I wish Sol would just get it over with and let out the "Big One" that toasts Earth to a drifting cinder.

[Mark / Ohio]

I wish Sol would just get it over with and let out the "Big One" that toasts Earth to a drifting cinder.

Global warming solved at no cost to you or I.  I like it!   



I'm hoping to see some auroras from this latest one but sounds like a cloudy rainy day tomorrow.  

I did find another website with some darn neat graphics.  

http://helios.swpc.noaa.gov/ovation/#

[Mark / Ohio]

Shucks, I had clear sky and still no lights to be seen this far South.   

Interesting article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/story/2012-03-08/solar-storm-question-answer/53421986/1


Photos of the Sun through a dust storm showing the sun spots:

http://spaceweather.com/submissions/large_image_popup.php?image_name=David-Tremblay-0B7V4805-imp_1331217388.jpg

[JHellis]

Fabulouse picture, very pro looking, well done. 

John