Massive sunspot that has doubled in size could send solar storms toward Earth

A massive double-barrelled sunspot
that has doubled in size in the past few days could now send a series of
solar flares towards Earth.

Though the severity of the disruption is yet unknown, some scientists are
predicting the spot could send off medium-scale solar flares.
These could cause radio blackouts and disruptions in the Earth’s polar regions.



According to SpaceWeather.com, the
sunspot in active region 1416 could send out ‘beta-gamma’ magnetic
energy in what is known as an M-class flare.

Though M-class flares aren’t nearly as dangerous as X-class flares, which
affect satellites and electrical grids as well as lasting radiation
storms, people could still notice minor inconveniences such as radio disturbances.

M-class flares can also cause the aurora borealis to erupt in dazzling light shows.
SpaceWeather’s Tony Phillips wrote:
‘Any such eruptions this weekend would be Earth-directed as the sunspot
turns to face our planet.’

On Friday, the sun emitted a coronal mass ejection, known as CME, in the shape of a heart.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported: ‘A
preliminary model run predicts this CME will arrive, appropriately
enough, on Valentine’s Day.’

According to SpaceWeather.com, the
NOAA forecasts that there is a 50 per cent chance of a Class M flare
within the next 24-48 hours.

MSNBC’s Cosmic Log said that various space organizations are keeping their eye
on the sunspot’s development, as the sun’s activity is rising.
Scientists predict the sun will reach its 11-year zenith in 2013, and expect a rising amount of solar activity to come.

Source

Dang with that EMP it could knock out our electricity for 3 days

mayans are predicting it!!

a lot of scary stuff with space going on these days. not sure how i feel about it.