X7.1 and X9.1 back to back solar flares

Hooked on Fenix

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 13, 2007
Messages
3,583
The sun just produced an X7.1 followed by an X9.1 solar flare. The sunspot AR3842 is almost centered facing earth. This will likely produce back to back CMEs, the first hitting October 4 or 5. The second October 6. They are saying the two will have a cumulative effect producing a G3 solar storm. The X9.1 caused shortwave radio blackouts for a half hour.

Honestly, I'm seeing some things off about this news. I've seen X1 flares cause radio blackouts for an hour. It's weird that an X9.1 facing earth would cause a radio blackout the size of a strong (but much weaker) M class flare. And back to back X class flares larger than we've seen in several years would probably cause a G4 storm. So this is either going to be nothing this weekend, or surprise blackouts and strong auroras in the north.
 
Looks like the X9.1 wasn't that long in duration. That's why it was only half an hour for radio blackouts. Still, with that intensity and them being back to back, it'll make up for them not being long duration CMEs to a degree.
 
Yup, going to be very interesting to see what happens this weekend.
 
Meh.... I wouldn't mind if Winter was a bit warmer.
Sadly I know that's not happening.
 
Looks like these flares may have only brought a G1 solar storm. A bit disappointing for aurora watchers, but a relief for the power grid.
 
Well, we had a couple X class flares recently. One was longer duration. We are now having a G4 class geomagnetic storm. Start checking the skies for auroras.
 
Top