Hooked on Fenix
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2007
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- 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.
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.