05-10-2024, 04:30 PM
I would like to add another article for everyone to consider.
From LiveScience.com: Gargantuan sunspot 15-Earths wide shoots powerful X-class flare toward Earth, triggering radio blackouts
AR3664 is no ordinary sunspot.
The behemoth dark patch on the sun's surface has ballooned in recent days, becoming one of the largest and most active sunspots seen this solar cycle.
AR3664 garnered the attention of scientists earlier this week as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a warning of increased solar flare risk from the solar giant on Tuesday (May 7).
"Region 3664 has grown considerably and has become much more magnetically complex," NOAA's SWPC reports. "This has led to increased solar flare probabilities over the next several days."
The giant sunspot has more than lived up to expectations. Firing out countless powerful solar flares in recent days, including a colossal X-class solar flare this morning (May 9), peaking at 5:13 a.m. EDT (0913 GMT).
I figured "more is better" when learning of this kind of event, which thankfully hasn't spurred much 'doom porn' as it has in the past.
![[Image: 6RcJqysQL6yRRbNvLqctZ7-1200-80.jpg.webp]](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6RcJqysQL6yRRbNvLqctZ7-1200-80.jpg.webp)
Shortwave radio blackouts observed over the sunlit portion of Earth at the time of the X-flare eruption. (Image credit: NOAA SWPC)
Although studies suggest Carrington-class solar storms occur every 40 to 60 years or so (and we are long overdue), there is no evidence that any CMEs currently en route from previous solar eruptions this week could cause a new Carrington Event, according to Spaceweather.com.
From LiveScience.com: Gargantuan sunspot 15-Earths wide shoots powerful X-class flare toward Earth, triggering radio blackouts
AR3664 is no ordinary sunspot.
The behemoth dark patch on the sun's surface has ballooned in recent days, becoming one of the largest and most active sunspots seen this solar cycle.
AR3664 garnered the attention of scientists earlier this week as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a warning of increased solar flare risk from the solar giant on Tuesday (May 7).
"Region 3664 has grown considerably and has become much more magnetically complex," NOAA's SWPC reports. "This has led to increased solar flare probabilities over the next several days."
The giant sunspot has more than lived up to expectations. Firing out countless powerful solar flares in recent days, including a colossal X-class solar flare this morning (May 9), peaking at 5:13 a.m. EDT (0913 GMT).
I figured "more is better" when learning of this kind of event, which thankfully hasn't spurred much 'doom porn' as it has in the past.
Shortwave radio blackouts observed over the sunlit portion of Earth at the time of the X-flare eruption. (Image credit: NOAA SWPC)
Although studies suggest Carrington-class solar storms occur every 40 to 60 years or so (and we are long overdue), there is no evidence that any CMEs currently en route from previous solar eruptions this week could cause a new Carrington Event, according to Spaceweather.com.
