Quote:
Originally Posted by Edgar AlPo
not across the entire sun no. There are what are called cronal holes of plasma the sun spews out (cme's, filaments, flares) different snaps or whips of plasma (picture a flaming whip) that are either active or defunct. The sunspot in question had been inactive for a few months then all of a sudden awoke with 3 x flares in the same region within 24 hours which is pretty rare as far as "sun watching" goes. Anybody that checks Stereo A and Stereo B stats can tell you that this hasn't happened but one other time that we know of and that was was the Carrington Event, with those being Earth directed. These aren't, but the sunspot responsible for all the recent activity is going to be pointed in our direction tomorrow through next week. It's pretty much aiming a smoking cannon at an ant. Something may pop off, maybe not. Few likeminded folks such as I keeping an eye on it though
and yes solar flares are very common, the strongest class on record being the X Class that gets demonitated 1-10 with the 3 we've had recently ranging between 2 and 5
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What do you think is the worst case scenario though, even if there was a surge in our direction?
People tend to hear this stuff and think there's going to be like a sudden increase in temperature or something... in reality, its impact will likely be unnoticed by the average joe -- and would probably just be a 'blip' on a few electrical machines designed to measure it.
BUUUUUT -
The combination of solar flares peaking AND Earth's Magnetosphere weakening, AND current galactic alignment does increase the probability that there could be a 'measurable impact' on Earth... I could see temporary electrical disruptions being feasible in a worst case scenario -- and in a doomsday scenario, perhaps 'electrical outages' - but even with the gravitational effects of our alignment and a weakened magnetosphere doing less to "absorb the surge" - I would be shocked if it became anything more than a blip on some 'sun spotters' radar.
What are your thoughts EAP?