From: LARRY KLAES (ljk4_at_msn.com)
Date: Fri Nov 07 2003 - 09:03:16 PST
----- Original Message -----
Because sunspot 486 is near the sun's western limb, the blast was not
From: SpaceWeather.com
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2003 11:54 AM
To: SpaceWeather.com
Subject: Historic Solar Flare
Space Weather News for Nov. 5, 2003
http://spaceweather.com
Giant sunspot 486 unleashed another intense solar flare on Nov. 4th (1950
UT), and this one could be historic. The blast saturated X-ray sensors
onboard GOES satellites. The last time this happened, in April 2001, the
flare that saturated the sensors was classified as an X20--the biggest
ever recorded at the time. Yesterday's flare appears to have been even
stronger.
directed much toward Earth. Nevertheless, our planet's magnetic field
might be hit by a coronal mass ejection on Nov. 5th or 6th. The impact
will be glancing, but even a glancing blow from such a powerful explosion
could stir geomagnetic storms. Sky watchers should be alert for auroras
during the nights ahead.
Visit spaceweather.com for images and more information
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