The Sun just burped and released an X5.1 class solar flare, the 6th strongest of cycle 25, and largest this year. This is on the back of 2 other X class flares (X 1.7 and X 1.2) that fired off from the sun over the last 2 days. It’s earth faced and produced a CME (solar wind) which could cause isolated disruptions to communications, satellites, websites, power grids, and cell service.
It will more than likely produce widespread low latitude auroras as far south as the last May and October major events. It could be a bust too but we’ll see.
It’s rare to have 3 X class flares go off within days of each other, all of which will impact earth in the next 3 days. The X5.1 impact will likely be Thursday. Tonight and Wednesday night could see the impact from the other 2 X class flares.
As a result, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center is predicting a severe G4 geomagnetic storm or greater (on a scale of 1-5, see above Categories and effects above).
As far as clear skies the next few nights, not great but see below the forecasted cloud cover (blue = clear):
QuakeReMarks
Tying in earthquakes, there is a connection with strong geomagnetic storms. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a sizable pickup in global seismic activity. Per my last post regarding the swarm off the east coast of Japan, I can’t rule out further activity there. If this area follows a similar pattern as the swarm up by Kamchatka which eventually produced a magnitude 7.8 and an 8.8, there’s chance of a similar size impact. In the event that indeed takes place, we may be very close on the mega quake. Stay tuned.
Hope everyone enjoyed the brief bitter blast, and festive flakes (even down in Woodstock, GA)! How does 5°F, a 70mph gust, wind chill of minus 27°F and 2.1″ of snow sound? That’s the current conditions on Mt. Washington as of 5:30pm!!
Many record cold temps were broken today, see below! I’ll be back shortly with details on an active stormy pattern coming over the next few weeks. And remember, weather never sleeps!
The video of the solar flare is amazing
So exciting!! Thank you for the sun-sational info! ☺️
Ha! Hope you got to see them! More chances the next couple of nights!