| Solar X-rays: |  |
| Geomagnetic Field: |  |
Posted on 09/07/2005 6:04:23 PM PDT by Strategerist
A very strong class X17.1 solar flare exploded on the Sun at 17:40 UTC (1:40 pm EDT). This is a significant event. Very few solar flares ever reach the X-class rating, and far fewer ever exceed an X10 level. Only a few solar flares each solar cycle (a 10-year period) exceed an X10 rating. An X17 solar flare is 17 times more intense in x-rays than a class X1.0 (which is, by itself, a very energetic event). This particular event was strong enough to saturate one of the x-ray sensors on the GOES spacecraft and very nearly saturated both sensors. This intense solar flare was visible in white-light by observers at Holloman solar observatory in New Mexico.
This event was associated with intense radio emissions and a strong high-velocity coronal mass ejection that was ejected well to the southeast of the Earth. Despite the poor location of this event, there is a chance the extreme western flanking edge of the associated shock wave may reach the Earth sometime on 9 September. Prior to that time, energetic protons from the solar flare may begin reaching the Earth and result in an increase in the radiation environment in the near-Earth space environment. Although no significant geomagnetic or auroral storming is expected this time, additional possible major solar flares from this region during the next two weeks could easily provide the impetus for very strong space weather storms.
The sunspot complex responsible for this event is an old "friend," by the name of Region 10798, which was responsible for producing periods of severe geomagnetic storming last month. It's longevity is impressive, as most sunspot groups do not survive this long. As it came into view, NOAA assigned a new number to this region. It will hereafter be known as Region 10808 (nick named Region 808).
The fact that this region has produced such a powerful flare suggests that it contains a complex magnetic topology. It is just now coming into view around the eastern limb of the Sun and is still too close to the limb to discern any significant detail. We expect additional major flares and possibly additional significant major flares of X10 or greater intensities, during the next week.
Region 808 will gradually rotate across the solar disk during the next two weeks. During that time, if it retains its volatility, it may produce some serious effects at the Earth. The health of spacecraft may be compromised if additional extreme events are observed. Power grids may suffer from induced currents caused by intense geomagnetic storms. Radio communications may suffer from strong scintillation and absorption. And large regions of the Earth may be able to spot periods of auroral activity ("northern lights"). Region 808 will be best positioned to inflict strong impacts on the Earth in approximately another 4 to 5 days, with maximal effects possible from roughly 11 September through 18 September. Spacecraft will remain vulnerable to potential strong space radiation storms through to about 23 September.
It is perhaps produnt to note that these strong solar flares pose no known significant health threat to humans on the Earth. There is a greater threat to human health for astronauts on the International Space Station, but even they are relatively well protected in the heavily shielded regions of the space station. The combined effects of the Earth's magnetic field and the ionosphere protect human activities on Earth. However, some sensitive industries on the ground can be adversely effected, including electrical power generation facilities, ionospheric radio communications, satellite communications, cellular phone networks, sensitive fabrication industries, and others. During the next two weeks, these industries may see an increase in anomalous incidents that may be attributed to space weather effects.
** End of AstroAlert ** _______________________________________________ Astroalerts mailing list Astroalerts@solar.spacew.com http://solar.spacew.com/mailman/listinfo/astroalerts
However the sunspot that generated it will be rotating into a position to direct CMEs at earth in the coming days...so may have some chance at lower-latitude auroras down the road...
It's Bush's fault!
That Bush is screwing up the sun too, amazing.(humor).
Goodness, Gracious... great balls of fire!
The sky is falling?
You're right...Bush should have signed the Kyoto treaty and this wouldn't have happened!
I'm so tired of people blaming Bush for everything.
It's obvious that this is the work of Karl Rove.
Chances are, this has more to do with the global warming than anything else.
It's only Bush's fault because Karl Rove invented the sun and turned over control to him.
DAMN THAT GEORGE BUSH, ANYWAY. You'd think he'd at least have the decency to leave the sun alone.
I'm begging you....
"Important to note is the coronal mass ejection was NOT ejected towards earth, so effects here are going to be pretty limited from that... [.]"
Well thank the Lord for that. Do you know what this REALLY would have done to Governor Blanco?
| Solar X-rays: | |
| Geomagnetic Field: | |
LOL, you beat me to it.
Here is another source worth checking daily.
D@MN YOU KARL ROVE!!!!
And Cheney's going to see that Halliburton gets the contract to repair it!
: ^ )
Bush waited too long to order FEMA to evacuated the earth!
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