Extraordinary Solar Blast
An explosion of extreme power occured on the sun at 3:10 AM Pacific Time today. This explosion is classed as an X-17 solar flare. X-1 is the least strong of the high power flares, X-9 normally the highest on the scale.
The flare sent a coronal mass ejection directly toward earth, and its effects should be felt as early as tonight. (Tuesday, October 28) Auroras should be visible as far south the Great Plains, and possibly farther south.
Whether the CME will result in disruptions to electronic devices and power transmission facilities, or have other effects is not known. However, the earth’s magnetic field has been buffeted by solar storms in recent weeks, and it is likely that various effects will be felt.
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