Posted on 05/11/2026 11:17:03 AM PDT by BenLurkin
A powerful M5.7 solar flare erupted from the sun on May 10, unleashing an impressive coronal mass ejection (CME) that could deliver Earth a glancing blow later this week and potentially spark northern lights displays at high latitudes.
The eruption peaked at 9:39 a.m. EDT (1339 GMT) from sunspot region AR4436, now rotating into Earth's "strike zone" on the sun's northeastern limb. As the active region swings further into view over the next few days, any major flares or CMEs it produces will have a greater chance of being directed toward Earth.
While most of the recently launched CME appears to be racing east of Earth, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K. Met Office say part of the expanding plume of solar material may still brush past Earth around early May 13. If that happens, it could trigger minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions, enhancing aurora displays across the northern U.S. and the U.K.
The solar flare eruption triggered a radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. These blackouts occur when intense X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from solar flares ionize Earth's upper atmosphere, interfering with high-frequency radio signals used by aviators, mariners and amateur radio operators.
(Excerpt) Read more at space.com ...
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We MUST blow up the Sun 🌞
to save da Erf 🌍 from
Zee Global Warming 🥵🥵🥵
Help us Obi Wan Al Goreian
There are some nice sunspots visible right now for anyone who has a small telescope and an adequate solar filter. Binoculars will work as well, but A PROPER SOLAR FILTER IS REQUIRED! I can’t stress this enough. Attempting to look at the Sun w/out proper protection will cause permanent damage. Unfiltered sunlight doesn’t play nice with eyeballs.
That’s why I only look at it at night!.............
X flares > M flares
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