Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

This flare is reported NOT to be directed at Earth - what a relief
Leaked memo! Power grid freak-out over sunspot 1263 X-class CME EMP solar flare 2012 The Awakening

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

See Margaret, you scared the pants of us for nout:D

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

I'm watching - the next one might be - be a good little boy scout and be prepared:)

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Margaret, I'm always prepared:D

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Around midnight last night there was an X class solar flare.
If you watched the Horizon documentary on BBC2 last night you will be aware of the implications of increased sun activity due this year.

BBC iPlayer - Horizon: 2011-2012: Solar Storms - The Threat to Planet Earth

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Since we are talking about Astronomy and uncommon occurances like the Northern Lights, I wondered how many of you had ever properly seen the rest of our Galaxy which passes over our heads every night but is obscured by light pollution.

Here is a magical bit of film....

http://vimeo.com/36957362

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Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Here is another version....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOzVrYM9TQc

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

This is worth a look too....

Aurora 2012 by Christian Mülhauser - YouTube


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Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

This event might be more than just the aurora borealis visible further south than usual.

Radio ham sites today are warning of radio and satellite disruption when the CME arrives tomorrow (a 'glancing blow' to the ionosphere),

...and disruption of the upper atmosphere is strongly suspected to contribute towards earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and severe weather events
Can Solar Activity Cause Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Extreme Weather? → Washingtons Blog
"On a significant number of occasions, satellites have picked up disturbances in this part of the atmosphere 100-600km above areas that have later been hit by earthquakes.

One of the most important of these is a fluctuation in the density of electrons and other electrically-charged particles in the ionosphere.

One study looked at over 100 earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.0 or larger in Taiwan over several decades. The researchers found that almost all of the earthquakes down to a depth of about 35km were preceded by distinct electrical disturbances in the ionosphere. "

Well, Mags, I'd better get my last minute reply in before I'm cut off from you and the rest of the internet!

Don't worry about it, if it happens, it happens, nowt we can do about it.

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Did I suggest I was worried?
...you underestimate me... I'm ready - that's different.

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Does this mean we are we going to have a 'barbecue summer', or not?

:rolleyes:

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Since we are talking about Astronomy and uncommon occurances like the Northern Lights, I wondered how many of you had ever properly seen the rest of our Galaxy which passes over our heads every night but is obscured by light pollution.

Try the pics in this...
Northern Lights: Extraordinary display in the skies above YORKSHIRE | Mail Online

I wouldn't have said the aurora was uncommon, it's just that it only occurs at certain times of the year and is easier to see and more spectacular when certain solar and magnetic conditions coincide. Travel agents are certainly making a killing out of it at the moment.

What amused me was after we came back from a visit to the North Cape of Norway last summer, so many people asked us if we had seen the northern lights, despite the skies up there never going dark 24/7 thanks to the midnight sun!!

No Mags never think of you as worried , just a worrier.

Naff all we can do if the world ends tomos, may as well get high on air fresheners.

Re: Solar flares - coronal mass ejections
 

Ive been drinking ronseal, at least if the world ends I will have a lovely finish:bigglasse