Sunspot, and chance of weekend storms

earthsky.org ^ | July 7, 2017 | Deborah Byrd

[BenLurkin]

We’re approaching another minimum in the 11-year sunspot cycle, predicted for the years 2019 and 2020, and so the number of visible spots on the sun has been low. But there’s a nice, big, visible spot on the sun now, plus an Earth-facing coronal hole seen by spacecraft.

Because this hole in the sun’s atmosphere faces Earth – and because it releases a high-speed solar wind – experts say there’s a 60% chance this weekend of minor G1-class geomagnetic storms, which could causes auroras.

The coming full moon, of course, might interfere or might give you an opportunity for some interesting photos. The storms are expected on July 9, 2017 when the solar wind stream should hit Earth’s magnetic field.

[BenLurkin]

ping

[BenLurkin]

Time-lapse over a 36-hour period beginning July 6, via NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory/ Spaceweather.com.

[Bobalu]

We gots global cooling, Maunder minimum style.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maunder_Minimum

Better that than this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_storm_of_1859

[21twelve]

Chance of weekend storm? That’d be nice - we could use the rain.
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oh - wait....

[Boomer]

Could be interesting for some Ham radio operators.

[StAnDeliver]

Just looked, didn't see anything.

Apparently going down in Canada though...

[PA Engineer]

Thanks. I have been following this one. Here is a good site to follow disruptions:

Solar Ham.

We just came off a decent one followed by the equivalent of an aftershock.

Blown transformers are common as well as other effects.

[capt. norm]

"11-year sunspot cycle, predicted for the years 2019 and 2020"

Everything I've seen so far leads me to believe that the "Roaring Twenties" of the 1920's will be repeated in the 2020's
Of course there will be dancing in the streets...that's already happening:
https://youtu.be/msvOqvBJLBw
What goes around comes around.

[BenLurkin]

That was excellent! Great link.