Solar Storms Turn Part Of Sun Into 'Benevolent Monster'

WASHINGTON -- After years of quiet, the sun is coming alive with solar storms in a big way.

The sun shot off a flare Thursday afternoon from a region that scientists are calling a "benevolent monster."

Scientists at the federal Space Weather Prediction Center say that area is the most active part of the sun since 2005. It has dozens of sunspots, including one that is the size of 17 Earths. Sunspots are kinks or knots in the sun's magnetic field.

"It's beautiful," said forecaster Jess Whittington. "It's still growing. The size is what blows me away."

Thursday's flare wasn't aimed at Earth. However, this active region is now slowly turning toward Earth, and scientists say it will be directly facing Earth in about five days.

That storm region will only affect Earth if it shoots off flares and they hit our planet, which doesn't always happen with stormy areas, said prediction center space scientist Joe Kunches.

The region will be facing Earth for about two weeks as it rotates, he said.

Solar flares send out bursts of electromagnetic energy that can occasionally disrupt communications and electrical systems.

For the past several years, the sun has been at a quiet end of its cycle and only recently has gotten more active. Solar cycles go in 11-year period. This cycle has had fewer storms than usual for this time in its cycle. But that may be changing.

"The sun is looking more like we think it should at this point in the solar cycle," Kunches said. "It's got a number of active centers."

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Comments

[pixieboomergirl]

12:21 PM on 11/15/2011

Don't know if this is right place to post my comment,however,here goes. ever since the National alert was broadcast, here in S.C. (Time Warner Cable) we've been getting alerts everyday ! whats up with that ? My only concern is its a possiblity that some won't pay attention when the "real thing happens. I do think that as (they did say) we will know when its real the President would make an announcement,I certainly would pay attention then,but would everyone ?

[mbdlawyers]

08:58 AM on 11/07/2011

Ancient Chinese discover Supernova. A few hours after discovering it, they were hungry for more.

[blackwind]

11:58 PM on 11/06/2011

It's turned toward earth enough to be easily visible without a telescope right now, although, of course, you need something like mylar or a #14 welder's lens to keep from burning up your eyes.
Here's good site for keeping track of this sort of thing: http://www.spaceweather.com/

[verflixed]

10:59 PM on 11/06/2011

A class 5 solar storm could knock out entire electrical grids. Transformers would take month if not years to be replaced

[ANGEL53545]

08:57 PM on 11/05/2011

AT LEAST THE CLIMATE SCIENTISTS CANT SAY THIS IS CAUSE BY CLIMATE CHANGE.

[thegriotspeaks]

08:08 PM on 11/05/2011

"Thursday's flare wasn't aimed at Earth. However, this active region is now slowly turning toward Earth, and scientists say it will be directly facing Earth in about five days."

Hmmm...that's about Tuesday, Nov. 9, the same day the country is supposed to have its first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System.

So, if a solar flare fries the communications infrastructure that day, how will the guv'ment alert us that something is wrong?

[ibeyour1]

10:46 PM on 11/05/2011

if your cell doesn't work...assume. What would you do if you were warned? I don't think hiding under the bed will help. lol

[mbdlawyers]

09:01 AM on 11/07/2011

The Earth still has something called a magnetic field which shields us from sun flares, solar winds and solar radiation. At most, you'll find your AM radio reception kinda crappy. It already is, I noticed yesterday (Nov 6).

[psridgell]

07:33 PM on 11/05/2011

The sky is falling ! the sky is falling ! we will all die at 11:11 on 11-11-11

[mgh406]

08:15 AM on 11/05/2011

12/21/2012 Early warning?

[Tim Springer]

03:46 PM on 11/05/2011

Balderdash.

[ibeyour1]

10:48 PM on 11/05/2011

Balderdash 2nd edition

[freytj9]

07:48 AM on 11/05/2011

Wouldnt it be interesting to have about a week without cell phones? You would prob see people commit suicide over it.

[Tim Springer]

03:48 PM on 11/05/2011

I don't have a cellular phone or device, and I am 100% happy with it.

[Ioan Lightoller]

02:53 AM on 11/05/2011

It's this kind of stuff I love to read. The author is right. There actually is a sort of awesome beauty in the part of the sun shown in the picture. It will be interesting to see what develops over the two or three weeks. Along with that asteroid coming so close, it should be quite an interesting week astronomically speaking.

[totellthtruth1949]

12:04 AM on 11/05/2011

What gives" I posted two comments and they were eaten up and not posted. All I said was, This "benevolent monster" seems to be affecting my area. Winds now 39 mph whenusually under 15.

[Nopooftas]

12:50 AM on 11/05/2011

LOL musta been a time shift !

[totellthtruth1949]

09:02 AM on 11/05/2011

Nopooftas , I wish that that were the case. Thye still minused me one. This happens to me quite often. I would say that a good 20 to 25% (if not more) of my comments are deleted. These are usually replies to other commentators who have attacked me with insulting and condescending words. I can more than hold my own, however, others are permitted to use derogatory and demeaning terms towards me. When I respond in kind, or with harsher terms.....nothing appears, as this might not.
I never attack first.

[LogJammin]

04:02 AM on 11/05/2011

Or you could just be having some stormy weather that has nothing to do with the sun but rather rapid changes in air pressure and temperature. It's been known to happen here on planet earth from time to time even in places that are usually considered paradise. Water might even fall from the sky...OMG we're all going to die!

[Tim Springer]

03:49 PM on 11/05/2011

Sarcasm.

[totellthtruth1949]

11:57 PM on 11/04/2011

This "benevolent monster" seems to be affecting my area. The winds are really kicking up when usually under 10 mph, they are between 30 to 39 mph right now. Windows rattling and porch furniture flying all over the place. May have to tape down the windows to keep them from shattering.

[Greatest Darthfruit]

11:42 PM on 11/04/2011

Come on Mr. Sun, bring those massive storms on!!

[jstagynjax]

12:50 AM on 11/05/2011

Right, until they wipe out all electronics, and possibly our atmosphere. But sure, bring 'em on.

[metmedvid]

10:56 PM on 11/04/2011

I find it hillarious that people who are completely dependent on technology, the net, grocery stores laugh and completely disbelieve the possibility of no power of any kind tomorrow. The history channel has been airing shows about our infrastructure, one being on the grid and just how fragil it really is today. The average person dies of thirst and starvation in 7 days. Experts have determined that 10's of millions will die in just 6 months of no power. In just two weeks all stores and storage facilities will be emptied. But you know what they say; ignorance is bliss.

[Ioan Lightoller]

02:54 AM on 11/05/2011

Fanned and faved. Sadly people often do not take things seriously. But you do bring up a good point. Our grid is more fragile than imagined. Look what happened with the Eastern US and Canada grid back in the summer of 2003.

[STaR Scream 81]

03:45 AM on 11/05/2011

Says the guy using a computer as he connects to millions of people around the world in a matter of seconds. 27 fans huh, Im guessing that took a nice amount of computer time to achieve.

Alright Bear Grylls, its our fault most of us were born into a day and age when technology exists? Why is that hilarious? Since you obviously have power and a home that uses modern technology and a computer inside that home, Im going to guess you dont live off the land buddy. So what are you talking about? lol You'll perish just like everyone else.

[metmedvid]

10:38 PM on 11/04/2011

No don't worry, the evil bad scientists are just trying to scare you. it's all a hoax. No go back to work or sleep or what ever, you have nothing to worry about. Oh those supplies in the Jeep? we're just going on a fishing trip, oh the guns? it's a hunting/fishing trip. Now dont forget to turn out the lights.
Bye Bye see ya soon. LOL.