NOAA Issues Space Weather Warning

[MazeRat7]

Looks like we are in for a really strong geomagnetic storm, the largest I remember anyway. This one looks pretty serious. I would say we have been lucky over the past years in that no major "technology" interruption has occurred. Let's hope we are as lucky this time.

On a side note, check out the close-up pictures from SOHO... amazing...just amazing.

Here is the link: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2437.htm

MZr7

[demnan]

1. I noticed XM radio this morning

is dropping out intermittently, now I know why.

[Willy Lee]

2. How long do the effects of these storms take to reach us?

Thanks for the link- those pics really are awesome.

[MazeRat7]

5. My understanding is:

# A solar storm is of short duration, usually less than a hour surrounding the solar disturbance.
# A geomagnetic storm is a perturbation to our magnetic field that occurs 2-3 days LATER ... and has a much longer duration. The duration, intensity, and whether or not it produces global effects are a function of how strong the solar disturbance was, the amount of ejected mass from the sun, trajectory that it strikes the earth, etc.
# Most of these factors are VERY DIFFICULT to predict and is why predictions for geomagnetic storms are like predicting the stock market.

All in all, I would think we should see effects from yesterday through the next several days. There may be subsequent minor ejections that might cause additional events.

I really wish I was much more of an expert in the field, but alas I am not so I am only relating what I have learned over the years about all this. I think I will go search a bit and see if I can find a link from a real expert.

MZr7

[bemildred]

3. Whoa. Is the Sun on drugs? nt

[Eurobabe]

4. maybe that's why I am having an OFF day?

n/t

[triguy46]

6. The sky is falling!

[Ezlivin]

7. Are the terrorists attacking the sun now?

I expect an official statement anytime now.

What other celestial bodies might turn on us?