#kesslereffect — Public Fediverse posts

From #SolarHam - Progression of new #Sunspot #AR4366 (not yet Earth-facing, but will be soon):

"Sunspot Watch
January 31, 2026 @ 04:15 UTC
Newly assigned sunspot region 4366 continues to gradually develop as it turns into view in the northeast quadrant. It is currently producing minor C-Class flares and it is likely now a threat for a moderate M-Flare. Something to keep an eye on this weekend. Image by SDO/HMI.

Growing Flare Threat
January 31, 2026 @ 14:50 UTC
AR 4366 continued to expand over the past 12 hours in both size and magnetic complexity. The region has a Beta-Delta magnetic configuration and is producing frequent mid level minor C-Flares. A moderate M-Flare will remain possible on Saturday.

M6.6 Solar Flare
February 1, 2026 @ 10:40 UTC
Solar activity increases even further with an M6.6 solar flare peaking at 10:02 UTC (Feb 1). The source, AR 4366, is magnetically complex and is now a threat for an isolated X-Flare. Image below by SDO/AIA.

High Solar Activity
February 1, 2026 @ 16:50 UTC (UPDATED)
What a difference a few days make on the Sun. Active sunspot region 4366 turned into a firecracker on Sunday with at least fifteen M-Class solar flares and one X-Flare (so far). Despite the brightness of these events, the mechanics have so far failed to launch any noteworthy coronal mass ejections into space and towards our planet. That could change over the next few days as the region continues to develop and currently sports a Beta-Gamma-Delta magnetic configuration. More solar flares including another X-Flare will remain possible.

[And today...]

Impulsive X8.1 Solar Flare
February 2, 2026 @ 00:10 UTC
An impulsive X8.1 solar flare was just detected peaking at 23:57 UTC (Feb 1). This is the second strongest flare in terms of peak X-Ray flux of the current solar cycle. Although a bright flare, new imagery suggests that if a CME is associated, it will likely be fairly mild. Stay tuned to SolarHam where you will get the most up to date and accurate information regarding this space weather event."

https://solarham.com/

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares

Keep creating #SpaceJunk, #Elon! Maybe it's time to send up the #SpaceJanitors, eh?

The #KesslerSyndrome: Crisis in Space Intensifies as Thousands of Satellites Crowd Earth Orbit

by Micah Hanks, May 8, 2025

Excerpt: "Welcome to this week’s installment of The Intelligence Brief… as #SpaceX’s Starlink constellation continues to raise the number of operational satellites in orbit, scientists are raising alarms about the growing threat of #SpaceDebris. In our analysis this week, we’ll be looking at 1) the potential onset of the Kessler Syndrome, 2) how a cascading chain reaction of orbital collisions could jeopardize #satellites, #SpaceStations, and critical infrastructure in space, and 3) what space agencies like NASA and the ESA are doing to mitigate risks through debris removal missions and stricter deorbiting guidelines, amid concerns over whether current efforts will be enough to prevent orbital chaos."

https://thedebrief.org/the-kessler-syndrome-crisis-in-space-intensifies-as-thousands-of-satellites-crowd-earth-orbit/

#Satellites #SpacePollution #KesslerEffect #Starlink #DeadSatellites #DarkSkies

Musk's #satellites 'blocking' view of the #universe

by Georgina Rannard
September 18, 2024

"#RadioWaves from #ElonMusk’s growing network of satellites are blocking scientists’ ability to peer into the universe, according to researchers in the Netherlands.

"The new generation of Starlink satellites, which provide fast internet around the world, are interfering more with #RadioTelescopes than earlier versions, they say.

"The thousands of orbiting satellites are 'blinding' radio telescopes and may be hindering astronomical research, according to Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (#ASTRON).

"#SpaceX, which owns Starlink, has not replied to a request from BBC News for comment.

"The satellites provide broadband internet around the world, often to remote places, including challenging environments like Ukraine and Yemen.

"They are also used to connect remote areas of the UK to fast internet. In 2022 tests showed that Starlink could deliver internet speeds four times faster than the average, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

"But astronomers say this comes at a cost.

"'Every time more of these are launched with these kinds of emission levels, we see less and less of the sky,' Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of ASTRON, told BBC News."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4dnr8zemgo

#DarkSkies #SpacePollution #SpaceJunk #SignalToNoise #TurnOffTheNoise #TooManySatellites #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome