Posted on 07/27/2004 1:45:34 PM PDT by maquiladora
A major solar storm with the force of a billion megaton bombs could be set to hit the Earth, scientists warned yesterday.
The storm is expected to be unleashed from a group of sunspots 20 times the size of Earth, with experts believing it is aimed at our planet.
The area of spots - called Number 652 - could release a storm powerful enough to damage satellites and put power grids out of action.
The Sun's last bout of intense storms occurred last autumn, when a string of ten major flares over two weeks knocked out satellites, damaged others, and forced airlines to turn away from exposed polar routes.
'The implications of this spot have scientists on the edge of their seats,' Nasa said in a statement. Sunspots are areas of intense magnetic energy, cooler and darker than the surrounding surface of the thermonuclear furnace.
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SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN #04- 1
2004 July 26 at 01:17 p.m. MDT (2004 July 26 1917 UTC)
**** STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM EXPECTED ****
A large and moderately complex sunspot cluster known as NOAA Region 652 was responsible for a significant eruption on 25 July, 2004 at 915 a.m. MDT. A radiation storm, currently at the S2 level, began soon after the eruption was observed on the Sun. An Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) was also observed and is expected to impact the geomagnetic field early on 27 July. This CME will likely produce periods of strong (G3) geomagnetic storming.
Agencies impacted by geomagnetic storms and radiation storms may experience disruptions in the next 48 hours. These include spacecraft operations, electric power systems, HF communications, and navigation systems.
Al Gore says it's Bush's fault because his environmental policy is changing the weather.
Is it time to go max out the credit card?
It's bush's fau...
Oh, nevermind.
It's Bush's fault.
There was an aurora in Seattle last night. Unfortunately, with the moon waxing towards full, it will not be as visible in coming nights.
I didn't realize we were doing anything to the sun.
From the looks of things, it would appear to be GOD's fault. :)
This sounds really really scaaaary, kids!
Luckily, Count Heads lives in a Faraday cage.
We're all gonna die!
I hope it takes out the DNC programs.
Ops4 God BLess America!
This time it may actually be Kerry's fault...wasn't he screwing around at NASA yesterday???Hmmmmmm?
This will realy stune your beeber.
index . . . while there is still time :)
Then I read the article.
This is series.
I'm sure its Bush's fault anyway, so it doesn't really matter.
I hope this doesn't happen during football season.
It'ed be one heck of a weenie roast if the magnetic poles decided to switch at the same time.
It's the end of the world as we know it!
Semper Fi
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