Did you know that we are in the middle of a solar storm? It’s the largest storm in 7 years. Most of us won’t even notice it, other than a few dropped calls, but solar storms can knock out satellite communications and force airlines to re-route their planes. I think that makes them kind of a big deal.
I get excited about solar storms. I like reading and watching the stories on them. I love weather-watching and this is space weather, which makes it that much cooler. I love the pictures of the sun with flares of coronal mass ejection shooting out of it.
Photo Credit: http://sunlightenment.com/2012-doomsday-or-new-day/
But the best part about a solar storm is the effect on the Northern Lights. It’s one of my dreams to see them in person. Solar storms make the aurora more active and it can be seen further south than usual.
Photo Credit: http://climate.gi.alaska.edu/curtis/pom.jpg
Did you know:
- Solar Winds (flares) can reach Earth is 12-40 hours.
- Flares often occur near sun spots.
- The sun cycle is 11 years long. 2012 and 2013 should be the most active years in the current cycle.
- Strong solar storms can take out satellite communications, which means that GPS, cell phones, ATM machines etc will not work.
Pretty cool! I have heard rumors that some of these solar flares may get nasty towards the end of the year.
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My 5 year old is intrigued with all of this. We’ve been trying to talk about the storm and I realize its a big deal to her as all her little Kinder buddies now there’s this “Huge Solar Storm with radiation sparks flying around!” LOL!
I have been lucky enough to see and hear some truly amazing northern lights. They are stunning.
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Wow, we used to live in Northern Manitoba, Canada and would sit in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the view of the Northern Lights with snow all around us and toques on our heads LOL
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I just heard about all this last night on the news. Fascinating stuff!
Wow. I never knew solar storms had that much impact.
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