Sunspots return for more storms

BBC ^ | November 17th, 2003 | Dr. David Whitehouse

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Sunspots return for more storms
	By Dr David Whitehouse BBC News Online science editor Peeking over the limb and heading our way The giant sunspots that produced the largest explosion ever seen on the surface of our star are set to return. They are moving back into view of the Earth after being carried to the Sun's far side by its 27-day rotation period. Astronomers say that even out of direct vision the spots have continued to eject clouds of super-hot material. The spots will point Earthwards again on 19 November. Although still very active, they are not expected to give out another X28-class solar fare. Other side Sunspot groups 486 and 488 produced record-breaking explosions earlier this month even though the Sun is supposed to be entering a period of declining activity - the peak of its 11-year cycle was a few years ago. As the Sun's rotation took the groups out of view, astronomers were still able to keep an eye on them using a technique called helioseismic holography. This allows the scientists to "look through" the Sun to see spot activity on the far side. The holographic maps revealed 486 and 488 to still be active. While on the far side of the Sun, explosions from their vicinity have been hurling clouds of gas over the Sun's limb in recent days. Build up The Sun's rotation will soon carry the pair back to the Earth-facing side of the star. As they are still active, astronomers believe we are set for more solar storms when they reappear on or about Wednesday. Indeed, the precursors to the giant sunspot group are just reappearing with the active region 484 just peeking over the Sun's eastern limb. The spot looks smaller than it did in late October, but it too remains active - hurling a bright mass ejection into space on 13 November.

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((((((growl)))))

[Molly Pitcher]

Thanks! Maybe one of these days we'll get some clear skies again...

[per loin]

Indeed, the precursors to the giant sunspot group are just reappearing with the active region 484 just peeking over the Sun's eastern limb.

This report is a bit dated. 484, now renamed 501, (I reckon that makes this series the Levi series of events) is well away from the limb, as shown below:

[Conspiracy Guy]

Not Again!!!

Solar Flare

We best be careful til this thing,
Has run it’s natural course.
My tinfoil hat could not withstand,
The power of this force.
It bombed my brain just like a nuke,
The functioning was gone.
I thought I was a Liberal,
I felt so all alone.
But praise the Lord it went away,
And I am back to normal.
Those solar flares can sure do harm,
Your brain will be a doornail.
So please be careful when you’re out,
I’ll tell where I’m at.
Until this solar storm is gone,
I’ll wear a double hat.

Flurry 10/31/03

[UCANSEE2]

bookmark. We will see what happens. We were lucky, real lucky, two weeks ago. Maybe nothing will happen, then again.....

[AndyTheBear]

If the whacko's will send me enough money, I am willing to do some junk science research on how the evil policies of George W Bush caused these sun spots!