Solar storm heads for Earth
U.S. politics had its "Super Tuesday" yesterday, and so did the sun, says Joseph Kunches from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado.
That's because the sun had two solar flares associated with two coronal mass ejections. Coronal mass ejections involve massive amounts of energy and charged particles shooting out of the sun, and can cause problems if directed at Earth, as was the case over the last couple of days.
This event may stir up a geomagnetic storm, and lead to disruptions to high-frequency radio communications, global positioning systems and power grids, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center said Wednesday. The peak of the storm is expected to hit Thursday morning; it may gradually diminish by Friday morning.
One of these coronal mass ejections is the strongest since December 2006, NOAA said. The equivalent of 10 billion tons of highly charged particles are hurtling at a rate of 3 million to 4 million miles an hour toward Earth. NASA says the leading edge of this coronal mass ejection will hit Earth at 1:25 a.m. E.T. (give or take seven hours).
The sun is currently in a cycle of increased sun spots. This is part of an 11-year cycle that is expected to peak over the next year. The magnetic field in a sunspot stores energy that is released in solar flares. These flares are intense bursts of radiation that get ejected into space.
NOAA measures various aspects of the ejections that occur. Four main components define solar activity: solar flares, coronal mass ejections, high-speed solar wind and solar energetic particles.
As an event occurs, some of the particles reach Earth almost immediately. These highly charged particles are more of a threat to spacecraft and astronauts than to us on the planet's surface. The bulk plasma from the coronal mass ejection can take between 30 and 72 hours to reach the earth. This can cause interruptions to power grids, GPS systems, and some flights that are near the poles.
The one positive outcome is the brilliant auroras (Northern and Southern Lights). These occur as the particles from the ejection interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating colorful displays.
NOAA has a chart that classifies these solar storms. This latest coronal mass ejection is forecast to rate as a “strong G3” geomagnetic storm, a measure of the disturbances in the geomagnetic field that helps protect the Earth from dangerous particles, and a “severe S4” solar radiation storm which is a measure of radiation that occurs when the numbers of energetic particles increases.
The Space Prediction Center expects that we are in a favorable pattern for at least the next week to potentially bring more solar storms to the earth. What is not known is the magnitude of future events. What is expected is quite a show from the Northern Lights Wednesday night and Thursday night, which may be visible as far south as Michigan and Illinois.
@CNNLightYears on Twitter
People in Orbit
Expedition 36 Commander
Expedition 36 Flight Engineer
Expedition 36 Flight Engineer
Contributors
-
Elizabeth Landau
Writer/Producer -
Sophia Dengo
Senior Designer
Informative post. I'm a frequent visitor of this webblog and I really appreciate you taking the time to keep up your website. I'll be a regular site visitor for a long time.
Hello there, I found your website by the use of Google even as looking for a similar topic, your web site came up, it appears to be like great. I have added to favourites|added to bookmarks.
On March 6 2012 before 20.00 GMT all my car windows were opened without me doing anything. Could this be due to the solar flare interfering with my car or the remote?
the photonic light waves disperse a solar flare emitting various uv and very high ultraviolent radiation.this emission into the electromagnetic spectrum may cause television interference.the amplitude of spatial coherence makes a different frequency resonance.your cell phone or other satillight trajectories may not work because uv and high uv rays will jam your reciever.i doubt you could see this solar flare without an intense telescope with filter len's and sample lens that causes grating and optic pixel resolution.shannon the d.m.
Plural auroras with an apostrophe? Come on!
No wonder the grammar usage in this country is going to the dogs, the way TV uses it.
Imagine if we could harvest all these solar storms into electric power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqnk19hn7Rc
amazing,your transducer should have been around the armature of your genorator.this spinning would charge your stator.i like the piezoelectric aborbtion concept and photo cell satilight recharging.but changing this energy into combustable energy might be improved by having this satlight take samples of this "space emission of energy",then convert the elemental composition into a combustable resource.shannon the d.m.
if your reactor makes three phase power in watts ,you would need a squirel cage motor or universal motor to covert electrical energy into mechanical energy .then this motor could takes what samples from space that could be taken and converted to a combustable fuel source.your transducer and transsponder would have to be able to detected possible resources for fuel.dungeons to the dragons, i think your is interesting.shannon the d.m.
your satilight reactor would make an excellent pod to explore planets from a bigger space ship.i would keep your reactor in the docking bay and eject it to other planets by rocking there in a similiar spaceship with cylindical shaped pilots deck,and boost with a detachablle thruster which you could pick up when coming back to earth.shannon the d.m.
i am currently focused on a devise for viewing space at high speeds.i call this devise a microscopeic magnefaction sensor .the body tube for the micro-magna sensor has eight major components.i think you would be interested in my project.if you like,snail mail about your reactor and i will mail information about my microscopeic magnefacation sensor.shannon blake 1700 jennifer road apartment#49 lexington kentucky 40505.
Nothing to worry about people of Earth. The Starship Enterprise got this.
Who knows where I can get some SPF 10,000?
I didn't know if I was reading a report about solar flares or a report about the Republican primary.
Stupid to use the analogies she chose.
Reblogged this on As the Pendulum Swings and commented:
So, in the instance we lose power globally and everything plunges into chaos, if you're ever in post-apocalyptic Pittsburgh, I'm not going anywhere.
Anyway, for those of you living in northern regions near the poles, enjoy the aura tonight! Excuse me while I run out to the grocery store and fight old ladies for the last pack of TP and water. They'll become gold, you know?
SO AMERICAN HEY YA KNOW WHAT BOYS and GIrrrRLS ??? THE SUN IS ABOUT TO FINALLY FRY OUR EVIL ASSES!!
"THAT'S KINDOFAPROBLEM !!!! "
All those that are talking about Mayans on here are annoying me.
Everyone get a gun ready to shoot the dead in the brain as this will undoubtedly bring them all back to flesh eating monsters.
All personal bashing aside, the when the Maya (which is the correct term, not Mayans) created the calendar, they didn't take into effect leap day. Technically, if the Doomsayers are right, the world should have ended 7 months ago. Cheers.
I work with a crazy person who told me yesterday that Liberals woudl blame this on global warming.
The plural of aurora does not contain an apostrophe. No plural does. Has anyone at CNN been to school?
Just think, this whole mess of solar activity and earthly disturbances of the magnetic field was predicted by the mayans...wierd but given that, we totally should have seen this coming!
Ok people, stop complaining about the reporter and comment about the solar flare. The only thing more annoying than the reporter's unnecessary commentary is your complaining about it.
I wounder if this was a man made problem. Maybe corporations should pay solar flare credits to the government since every business requires the use of airlines and satilites.
At least it will be colorful at the end ... goodbye.
Be a fully-invested, empowered, informed, authentic advocate for change!
Expose the government cover-up of the disappearance of polar bears from Antarctica!
Raj would be excited.
Every generation since the Bible's inception has assumed - maybe hoped - that the warnings or predictions about the end of the world will come to pass in their time. And so far, every generation has been wrong. I think the point is, IF the world came to an end in your lifetime, would you be prepared? Of course, those who read the Bible as literal fact can't be persuaded with philosophical "IF" statements. They must be scared into believing that the world WILL END in order to be prompted into action.
I blame global warming.
Can you say Zombie Apocalypse?
The comments are far more entertaining than anything on TV. Does it count if you have 16 years of schooling and it's all in the 3rd grade?
Wow. That bimbo sounds like she's talking to a kindergarden class. Americans on average are pretty dumb but hopefully not quite THAT dumb. This so-called meteorologist look pretty dumb herself though. Oh, wait... she's a blonde.. That explains a lot.
Don't worry folks, I'll just throw a batarang at it and deflect it.....I'm Batman....it's what I doooo!!
Rubbish report , rubbish meteorologist how she got her degree
I'm a deadly solar flare...hurdling towards you at near light speed...You think that bottle of SPF 75 is going to save you? Not likely...and your cut rate insurance won't cover your burns...so get all state and get better protected from mayhem like me!
Hmm... if by "immediately" you mean 8 minutes and 19 seconds.
off topic but relevant: youtube: kony 2012
Priceless,
a Loogie?
This could potentially be the beginning of the end.
I am confused... are these comments to do with the solar flare article?
Maybe it'll knock out the HateRadio stations and the con-zombies will go crashing into each other.
YEAH and Maybe the flares neutrons could penetrate the brains of Liberals and drive OUT the Stupid- ARE you NOT tired of the lying Left Media???? or the Lying left politicans that drove us to this economic downturn???
Too bad there's no chance that it could penetrate those thick skulls of conservatives and mutate their tiny little brains to the poiint that they might actually have an IQ higher than that of a turnip.
This is another warning from god that the people of earth are being wicked. We need to get back to what the bible teaches before it's too late.
which one?
The one true and only god of the holy bible – except when he is in Iran where he has no influence. in that case, it's Allah.
Another ignorant fool that blindly accepts ancient mythology as reality. Grow a brain dude.
I hope it gets to Russia and melt all this mountains of snow down..
The fact of the matter is that all information we have in how some things affect other things, is based on what we have experienced already. How this will turn out nobody knows 100% for sure. I mean nobody has the 100% absolute certainty that they would put their lifes on the line with no fear.
Hopefully this will fry every cellphone one the planet.
Hopefully it'll shock your brain enough that you might get some intelligence and learn some spelling and grammar.
Protect our environment and the only earth.
Spaceweather.com has all the info you need for this type of event. The media just wants to make everything armageddon like so people will panic. I aint worried about it. We have been through this before. If anyone recalls 2006. Yup that was the last time a solar flare of this magnitude came to earth and the only thing that happened was a blackout of 6 million Quebecs for a certain amount of time.
This is a pretty big Solar Flare on the chart. I think it is a prelude to an even larger one coming up in the near future. GPS probably will have to shut down, going sailing today bringing the old fashioned compass in case
http://www.shelter101.com/solar-flare-activity-chart.html
another big bang>>>> or get ready for the new EVOLUTION..
Don't freak out everyone. Go to http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2003/23oct_superstorm/ NASA's official science website. The solar storm that occurred in 1859 was described as a perfect space storm. It had a bunch of conditions that perfectly screwed over the earth. Such as the magnetic field in the CME being the exact opposite if the Earth's magnetic field, which made us perfectly unprotected.
-Research before you rant.
Soooo... When Noah built the boat, God told him the world was suppose to end in a flood... Now that the sun is going to tan us to death, find the dude spreading sun tan lotion on two of each species of animals. God gave the recipe for SPF 20000001. I'll be your monkey babeh...
ROTFLMAO ........ I love this guy!
PURIM March 7,8,9 2012
MUST SEE VIDEO >>> http://youtu.be/PwB0Ep_RR_c
Ew. OK enough dumb blonde stuff. Why can't CNN bring on some old scientist dude like Mr Wizard to tell us about these things. This woman probably slept with her science teacher in high school just to graduate. Ridiculous.
Not much of this dialogue is on point. The relevance of the subject matter seems to be lost in the jungle of personal emesis of the so-called writers.
And I was wondering why my girlfriend didn't reply to my IM?
Finally! A situation that wasn't or cant be manipulated by man. WHAT CHA GONNA DO CALL GHOSTBUSTERS
tell me again how man and not the sun is responsible for climate change.
What an ignorant reporter. "stinky breath" "loogie"
Stupid idiot
Were does CNN find these Anchors? Did CNN fire all their journalists and replace them with Kindergarten teachers? Oh wait.. that is their target audience. Drooling, whining and zero attention span 6 year old's. Or maybe that is the American public's education level. Back to BBC news for me.
Dude is this thing dangerous nd is it safe. nd by the way its already 1:28am nd i dnt think anything happend yet. . .
Maybe the sun has gas.
no...Uranus has gas 🙂
I need a new bathing suit...
I've got to agree with Ham Sahh this Jacqui Jerus is a RETARD . Her explanation of the coming solar storm , bad breath , loogies , might mess with our toys , made me feel like I was in the 1st grade again. – unbelievable .
The Mayan calender did not include lead day ever 4 years. The end of the world happened 7 months ago. Sorry to burst your bubble.
I guess it's good for the media that Solar Flairs are up for this year. They had finally beat the earthquake horse to death, remember last year when they were trying to convince us that earthquakes were going to kill us. Or what about 6 years ago when hurricanes were going to kill us. They got lucky solar flairs they are generally harmless, but they sound scary.
First Snooki announces she's pregnant and now this?! This is it.
I wonder how many doomsday preppers are at defcon 3 tonight.
just when am about to get my tax refund and this crap comes.Oh well if this will lead to destruction of the whole world then its a better news..mayan told you fools on time
Not the first and won't be the last. Google Solar Storm of 1859
The real problem is the these solar storms often produce massive earthquake activity within days. If this storm is as big as anticipated then we may have a 10.0 somewhere near you real soon.
Nope. No correlation, no causation. Son of Jupiter Effect?
Thank you Jacqui Jeras, whoever you are, for whatever it is that you just did in this CNN video/story to perpetuate the myth that women should not try to understand science, are bad at it, and that you should just put things in the idiotic context you just did. It's a solar flare, not a "luggy".
CNN, you could do a lot better.
Friends, we all know this does not signify anything.
The Mayans simply ran out of rocks to carve their calendar on.
Watching these 2 girls "dumb down" science like they're talking to a bunch of 2nd graders should be a wake up call for everyone. I mean, they weren't even getting into the physics of this and they STILL felt the need to talk like they were explaining this to children.
Agreed!!!!! Spit? A Luggy? They need to move this Jeras woman to the celebrity stories. She is definitely not helping instill confidence in girls/women that they can and should strive for greatness, especially in science.
Meanwhile on BBC they're discussing how they just mapped the genome of gorillas and more hints of the Higgs Boson were found at the US Tevatron accelerator.
I suspect they would call those funny, tiny monkey worms and bouncy space thingies respectively.
@ Ashrakay – I just think CNN insulted our intelligence , This Jackui Jerus should be teaching 1st grade.
I need to know how this is done so when the govt sends their wasp-sized drones into my backyard to look in my windows to see if I'm an "imminent threat" I can fry their control systems...Where can I find a highly charged particle gun? Online?
So will this help my tan or not?
You can watch flares and CMEs happen in near real-time courtesy of NASA's SDO and SOHO web sites. SDO is amazing; the sun in HD. Also, spaceweather.com is a great site if you need something more grown up than this reporter's childish schtick.
First the Dow tanks on Super-Duper Tuesday while massive tornadoes rip through the Bible Belt, now the sun starts spitting at us when the results are in and there's still no clear winner (because they're all losers). Looks like god agrees and wants these corrupt GOP candidates to knock off the extremist holier-than-thou hypocritical antics they've been trying to pull on all of us.
Stay calm, put down that gun, and no one gets hurt.
I heard this here solar flare thingies is going to put a serious dent in the cath o lick churches plans to install wireless credit card readers installed in dem pews that will take instant credit card donations taht will be instantly transferred via der interwebs to the vat in a can.
This aint good.
No, that money goes into their candy fund for little boys.
Oh no! The sun is going to flare! Now some people won't be able to use internet or cell phones for a day or two! I mean, REALLY. What is the big problem, besides the fact that we won't be able to read CNN and know what is going on with Apple for a day (which is a relief). In my opinion, this doesn't even deserve an article.
Actually, the sun flared yesterday. Try and keep up.
Power grids being totally wiped out would not necessarily be a bad thing..this world needs a rude awakening 🙂
*puts on sunglasses* I'm ready...come at me bro!
COME AT ME BRO
Ok, this woman Jackie is an idiot! Don't get too grossed out? Hot stinky breath? Hocking a loogie? REALLY? That's the best that this professional news woman can do? Vulgar. I cannot believe that her Management thought that was "ok".
Not everyone will think its vulgar, i think its ok.
I also felt thrown off with her analogies, you're not the only one.
Too bad it s not going to dest Roy the entire planet Earth , I wish it would ,
I love 2012
She is playing the blonde reporter role – US news is more entertainment than informing the ignorant masses – blame the republicans – have you seen Fox News blonde line up?
When news sites becomes entertainment it is no longer news! Which is why News (Entertainment) channels do a poor job of reporting scientific fact as they try to entertain their demographic....Thank god for sites that actually tell the story the way it should be told....
I agree. This freaking hurt to watch. No business case exists to excuse this debasing of news reporting. At what point do we stop trying to sell everything to the least common denominator, and respect Americans and challenge them to engage thoughtful and educational news programming?
Megyn Fox – Seriously Rocks
i like blondes
Completely agree! John, I myself couldn't have said it better.
She’s just trying in her simple way to tell you “It’s Dooms Day – DOOMS DAY!”… you bunch of idiots..RUN, RUN…… Wonder if I have time to get in nine holes of golf????
I'm with you Ed! ........... Literally ...................... where ya playing? 🙂
My alarm clock did reset itself last night, and I was able to use "Solar Flares" as an excuse for being late to work today .... so there's that. 🙂
Where have you gone, Walter Cro-o-o-onkite???
you did understand it -right? I agree it is pathetic how 'dumbed down' everything needs to be for Americans.
it's sad, I know... I cant wait to get out of here and move to Australia..
Amazing! I wasn't aware they bred all Australians with 150 IQ's. Maybe I should find something intelligent to do like swim over a stingray or something.
It's DOOMS DAY mate...Dooms Day, I say...even down under!
WHAT a bim bo. OK who ever hit that, it's over now. You can find someone else younger and prettier and maybe even with a brain.
Is that you Limbaugh?
some people really do just need something to get offended about.
I pity people like you.
I think it was ok. get a life if you take offense to something so stupid. Really! get a life!
Yeah I was disappointed at CNN for that report, its like a joke to them.
I agree. Comparing our sun to someone with stinky breath that is hocking loogies is a poor analogy.
I agree. This is a sad example of the media "dumbing down" the population.
its gross and vulgar...and i understand not everyone will think so, but why risk turning off a segment of the population by saying something like that? isnt she intelligent enough to think of a different analogy that doesnt offend anyone? its laziness...
Yes I agree absolutely ridiculous. Everyone should be informed about the scientific details of what a solar storm is and she describes it like that.
We have to keep it on the level that Americans can understand. Either that or give everyone a short class on Solar Radiation, Electro-Magnetism and Particle Theory.
I agree with you – this is more representative of FOX than CNN.
Maybe it has hit already – this is one of the funniest threads I've yet seen on here. I give extra credit for those who tied in politics/politicians in some way!
Take a bow contributors!
2012 is HERE prepare to diie and pay for your sins.
Ever been to Chitzen-Itza? I have, and our tour guide/history professor assured us that the Mayan calendar has bee misread by those prophesying doom. And who would believe ancient people anyway? Apparently you. The canned-food industry thanks you.
Why don't you just go ahead and do it for us, we'll be right along...honest...
Um, I thought that Jesus dude died for your sins. What happened to that whole thingie? Guess it was a major FAIL on god's part.
He did die for you and he loves you anyway. You should take a close look at the book of Revelation some time and see how the scriptures written thousands of years ago are right in line with what is happening now. This universe did not just suddenly appear from nothing my friend....God bless you.
I haven't see the Beast yet. I would appreciate it if you would defriend me.
yeah, never heard that before. people who read about an acid trip and assign some spiritual truth to it are nuts. people who have their own are enlightened
clearfog....I think it's Rush Limbaugh...
Well look at it this way the good book was written and re-written so many times. It is in other words like whne one tells a story to another then another tells it again to another and so on by the time it gets around only 10 times the whole story has changed. I remember as a young child it was told the world was comming to an end every couple years!!!! Wellllllllllllll What happened????????????? geezzzzz I did not see it guess I missed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
.
It's really sad how many people get sucked into believing that ancient mythology bears any resemblance at all to reality. Just not too bright I guess. This is the 21st century, time to put away the ancient mythology and stop beliveing in fairy tales. If more people would actually THINK about it, use some logic, reason and objectivity, they would see how utterly ridiculous it is. It's sad that so many people are incapable of doing that.
The greatest gift and the greatest love that was ever shown by one man. He loved us with his life. Jesus, he never deserve to be killed like a common criminal, still he expected such mistreatment and willingly submitted to it (Isaiah 53: 5) He died for you my friend.... for you and I..
actually the mayan calendar did not take into account leap years so according to their calendar we are already in 2013
The Mayan predictions are based on planetary alignment and solstices.
Soooo... When Noah built the boat, God told him the world was suppose to end in a flood... Now that the sun is going to tan us to death, find the dude spreading suntan on two of eat species of animals. God gave the recipe for SPF 20000001. I'll be your monkey babeh...
What's your choice Jim Jones Kool-aid or Heaven's gate chocolate pudding?
Be prepared 04/04!
I have to wonder whether or not to believe these scientists. Do they "really" know what the heck they are talking about?
Yes they do. They have the technology to measure it. Just because you can't see of feel it doesn't mean it isn't real.
Isn't that just like faith and belief. "Just because you can't see of feel it doesn't mean it isn't real." Sounds awfully like God.
The point is that *you* can't see or feel it but with the right equipment it can be measured. For example, do you see or feel radio waves? No. You don't. They course right through the walls of your house. They go through the bodies of your children, your wife, your pets, you. Then you turn the radio on and you *can* see what those radio waves are doing – bringing you news and music and more. You owe that to science and engineering. Sure, for some things, because you personally don't have the education, training, and equipment, you'll just have to trust someone else. But even then you can read the papers, look at the data, and come to your own conclusions. With enough research, work, and education, you can do do the very same thing these scientists are doing. It's not magic and it's not based on faith. It's science and you and I are discussing this topic because of science.
It only requires an education Manny. Try it sometime – you might like it...
@BooPoppin
Religion sounds more your speed.
Yes....yes they do NASA even has a satellite that studies and monitors the sun for CME's
If it weren't for scientists, you'd be living in a cave, with no idea how to light a fire to warm yourself. Me too. I'm always amazed at folks who wonder if scientists know what they're talking about...but forget all about who got us to the moon, invented automobiles, radios, television, facial creams, and all the important things of life.
Knucklehead, like scientists were there and invented fire, inventors invent things as some scientists do.
Your education is showing. (or lack thereof)
I used to wonder where they found people to be on the show "Are you smarter than a fifth grader." Apparently it is by reading CNN comments. I think I will cancel my cable subscription as I get far more entertainment reading the comments on science articles. I am so glad that CNN does not require IQ tests to post or the comments would be very boring.
So right.
No, they do not. In fact the sun is just a street light, that is just way, way, up there. Okay, not an electrical light, but a gas light and it is safe to visit there and play with string or was it lint balls...? Do not believe those who say you have a simpleton mind, instead focus on the simpleton mind of all the annoying scientist from the past. They are doing it WRONG..!! When they say they have credentials to prove they went M.I.T., or Cal-Poly don't believe them because you can produce those off of the internet. Wut? Oh yeah, the internet has been here longer that the sun anyways...like 1320 a.d. Never trust a scientist..!! I have to go now, as I'm on the nurse's computer, and she is bringing me my meds.
I think what you meant to say is, "I am not sure I understand what I have just been told. Can someone accurately explain it in a fashion that would be more clear to me?"
Yes, solar astronomers/stellar physicists know what they are talking about. That is what they do for a living. Scientists have been carefully observing the Sun and about 400 years and about 75 years ago they determined the process that powers it (nuclear fusion.) The best ones can explain things in a way that will amazed you and leave you eager for more information.
Behind the scenes they provide the necessary information power and telecommunication companies use to keep the lights on and keep the information flowing (or at least, limit disruptions.) If the solar storm does not turn out to be as bad as it could have been? Fine... Blame the Sun for not giving the Earth a square hit on the jaw, or thank the Earth's magnetosphere for having enough 'umph' to withstand Sol's onslaught. A scientist can only work the the data he or she has available and natural processes are usually very 'messy' affairs.
Since the networks fired all their science reporters and writers some years ago, they handed their jobs over to meteorologists... most of whom sound like they are totally out of their league explaining concepts beyond barometric pressure. That is one of the reasons why the phrase, 'Do they "really" know what the heck they are talking about?' is bandied about so casually now-a-days.
sdo_gsfc_nasa_gov go take a look.
I did note over the last two days my GPS took an exceptionally long time to acquire satellite data and then to seek better accuracy. I suspect this may be explained by the solar storm.
There's this little scientific concept called cause and effect....The flare didn't pop off until 19:24 ET last night, so no, it wasn't messing up your GPS receiver 2 days ago. And it isn't anywhere near big enough to bother commercial GPS receivers anyway.
Tachyons.
Keep in mind that this is the latest (and the strongest) in a string of storms over the past 2 days.