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Science

pscot

(21,044 posts) Sun Jul 7, 2013, 09:47 PM Jul 2013

Sunspot AR1785 is pointed right at us. [View all]

In less than 24 hours, AR1785 has stretched and lengthened by more than 40,000 km. It is now more than 11 times as wide as Earth, which makes the active region an easy target for backyard solar telescopes.

One thing hasn't changed: the sprawling sunspot group has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for strong solar flares. Moreover, the shape-shifting of AR1785 could lead to explosive instabilities in the sunspot's magnetic canopy. NOAA forecasters estimate a 55% chance of M-class solar flares and a 10% chance of X-flares during the next 24 hours

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Sunspot AR1785 is pointed right at us. [View all] pscot Jul 2013 OP

Shout Out to Sunspot AR1785! NYC_SKP Jul 2013 #1

Damn right! pscot Jul 2013 #2

It's perfectly capable of raising its own voice. longship Jul 2013 #3

I used to have those mass ejections. NYC_SKP Jul 2013 #5

Oh dear!! Too much information. Too bad the DUzys are on hold again. longship Jul 2013 #6

And a Shout for Pluto, too! Don't forget Pluto!!! nilram Jul 2013 #9

Should we panic yet? byronius Jul 2013 #4

Have an aurora picture and try to relax starroute Jul 2013 #8

The video doesn't play for me. Is there a link? AnotherDreamWeaver Jul 2013 #7

Go to spaceweather.com pscot Jul 2013 #10

Thanks, July 10th appears to be the day... AnotherDreamWeaver Jul 2013 #11