Largest Solar Flare Ever Recorded (X30-X40) DOES have an Earth-Directed Component

Solar-Terrestrial Dispatch Mailing List ^

[John H K]

The X18+ solar flare has been associated with a high velocity FULL HALO coronal mass ejection. There IS an Earthward directed component. Estimated plane of sky velocity for this event is 2381 km/sec, although it is probable the true velocity is above 2400 km/sec because there is some evidence for acceleration of the CME.

True x-ray intensity is unknown, but is probably near the X30 x-ray level (possibly between X30 and X40). VERY impressive event! Definitely one for the record books.

We have no idea yet when this one might impact the Earth or how strong the impact might be. We're waiting for a bit more data to arrive before we start the number crunching.

[John H K]

So, may get some Aurora out of this after all.

Before people go bonkers I'm sure this doesn't mean the end of the world; it's still going to be weaker than if it was pointed absolutely directly at earth.

And while it's the largest ever recorded by a huge margin, we've only really been "recording" flares in a meaningful way for about 25-30 years or so.

I'm sure humanity has survived hundreds of hits like this :-)

The largest ever was an X20 on February 2, 2001, which wasn't pointed at Earth at all and I suspect most people didn't exactly notice anything.

These guys have a history of being far more accurate than US Government agencies, will take them a while before they issue a CME impact forecast.

[Heff]

The X18+ solar flare has been associated with a high velocity FULL HALO coronal mass ejection. There IS an Earthward directed component. Estimated plane of sky velocity for this event is 2381 km/sec, although it is probable the true velocity is above 2400 km/sec because there is some evidence for acceleration of the CME.

Ok...now explain this in terms that I might understand, please!

[corkoman]

it move fast lol

[6ppc]

And it's speeding up!

[ConservativeMan55]

It reads like the Income Tax Laws doesn't it?

[CWW]

It make pretty lights in sky, too!

[Heff]

It reads like the Income Tax Laws doesn't it?

No kidding! Can anyone explain what exactly is happening?

[Davea]

More info and comments here..http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1014812/posts

[wattsmag2]

It means 5 more Boy Georges will be born next year. hehehehe

[scab4faa]

Dig your holes! We're all going to DIE!

[thinktwice]

explain this in terms that I might understand

Tin foil hats?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Brett66]

I was kind of hoping it would be directed right at Earth, I wanted to see the Aurora in Oklahoma. Didn't see a thing during the other events.

[mewzilla]

Break out the SPF 5,000.

[Zeppo]

Just curious - the really active sunspot groups will be back around the sun in a couple of weeks. What have amateur astronomers using small scopes equipped with hydrogen alpha filters been seeing from these solar events? Does it make sense to try and get my hands on a filter in case the sun is still jumpin' (scientific term) in a few weeks?

[Brian S]

Repent all ye sinners, the day is drawn near...! :)

[Action-America]

It reads like the Income Tax Laws doesn't it?

Yes. But, there's a big difference. Someone with a decent education (not public schools) can figure out what this stuff means. Even degreed CPA's can't figure out the tax code.

 

[right way right]

Man, My skin sure is dry and itchy lately.

[Dust in the Wind]

The light was bright enough on the 29th Oct last, to silhouette clouds to about 30 degrees above the horizon. That was along U.S. Highway 50 at the Colorado/Kansas state line.