3 Powerful X-Class Flares Erupt From Sun In Last 24 Hours

“Solar flares are giant explosions on the Sun that send energy, light and high speed particles into space. These flares are often associated with CMEs. The number of solar flares increases approximately every 11 years, and the Sun is currently moving towards another solar maximum, likely in 2013… The biggest flares are known as “X-class flares” based on a classification system that divides solar flares according to their strength… If they’re directed at Earth, such flares and associated CMEs can create long lasting radiation storms that can harm satellites, communications systems and even ground-based technologies and power grids.”

-Mark Paquette, in his Astronomy Blog on AccuWeather.com, August 10, 2011

A number of strong solar flares have been popping-off on the Sun in the last 24 hours. From the website of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):

Original Story: May 13

On May 12, 2013, the sun emitted a significant solar flare, peaking at 10 p.m. EDT. This flare is classified as an X1.7, making it the first X-class flare of 2013. The flare was also associated with another solar phenomenon, called a coronal mass ejection (CME) that can send solar material out into space. This CME was not Earth-directed.

First Update: May 13, 1:30 p.m. EDT

On May 13, 2013, the sun emitted an X2.8-class flare, peaking at 12:05 p.m. EDT. This is the the strongest X-class flare of 2013 so far, surpassing in strength the X1.7-class flare that occurred 14 hours earlier. It is the 16th X-class flare of the current solar cycle and the third-largest flare of that cycle.

Second Update: May 13, 3:30 p.m. EDT

The X2.8-class flare was also associated with a coronal mass ejection, or CME, another solar phenomenon that can send billions of tons of solar particles into space, which can potentially affect electronic systems in satellites and on the ground. The CME was not Earth-directed.

Third Update: May 14, 9 a.m. EDT

The sun emitted a third significant solar flare in under 24 hours, peaking at 9:11 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2013. This flare is classified as an X3.2 flare. This is the strongest X-class flare of 2013 so far, surpassing in strength the two X-class flares that occurred earlier in the 24-hour period.

The flare was also associated with a coronal mass ejection, or CME. The CME began at 9:30 p.m. EDT and was not Earth-directed.

(Editor’s note: Italics added for emphasis)

I first blogged about solar flares and CMEs- and the potential dangers associated with them- back in August 2011.

By Christopher E. Hill, Editor
Survival And Prosperity (www.survivalandprosperity.com)

Source:

“Three X-class Flares in 24 Hours.” NASA. 14 May 2013. (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sunearth/news/News051213-flare.html). 14 May 2013.

Survival And Prosperity

\”Protecting and Growing Self and Wealth in These Uncertain Times\”