'Giant Magnetic Explosion On Sun' Racing To Earth

Scientists warn of ‘extreme’ solar flare on its way now

WND

Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say an “extreme” solar flare has been detected and while Earth appears to be in the bull’s-eye, exactly which part of the planet will see the biggest impact isn’t yet known.

Such phenomenon can disrupt power grids, radio transmissions and other electronics, and in a worst-case scenario could actually take such systems down, perhaps for extended periods.

Officials with the federal agency said the flare is near the center of the sun and happened at 1:45 EDT Wednesday.

“Impacts to [high frequency] radio communications on the daylight side of Earth lasted for a little more than an hour. … Initial information suggests that [coronal mass ejection] is likely associated with this event, however, further analysis is underway at this time.”

Tom Berger, of the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, told the Associated Press, “There’s been a giant magnetic explosion on the sun.”

He continued, “Because it’s pointed right at us, we’ll at least catch some of the cloud.”

He was referring to the plasma that spews out from the sun, sending waves of energized and magnetized particles through space.

He told AP it’s been several years since a solar storm this big has targeted Earth, and while the energy doesn’t harm people directly, it can create major complications with power infrastructure, from satellites and radio waves to energized power lines.

Berger indicated the flare is considered “extreme” on forecasters’ scale, but just barely

The report said the part of Earth that is facing the sun when the waves arrive will feel the impact.

WND reported only weeks ago that NASA described how the Earth had dodged a superstorm flare that “could have knocked out all unprotected technology and electrical grid systems around the world.”

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Reposted with permission