#solarflares — Public Fediverse posts

A huge telescope observed the swirls for the first time on the sun’s surface

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/tiny-swirls-sun-trigger-solar-flares

#sun #SolarFlares #astrophysics #science

A huge telescope observed the swirls for the first time on the sun’s surface

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/tiny-swirls-sun-trigger-solar-flares

#sun #SolarFlares #astrophysics #science

#Solarflares may show predictable warning signs hours before erupting
Observations could help forecast big outbursts in the future
Observations of the lead-up to a massive #solarflare revealed changes near #sun's surface starting three hours before the flash, scientists report. The results could help experts develop methods to predict future solar flares, potentially giving us time to protect Earth’s power grid, orbiting satellites and astronauts.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/solar-flare-warning-signs-eruptions
https://archive.ph/CwA1y

#Solarflares may show predictable warning signs hours before erupting
Observations could help forecast big outbursts in the future
Observations of the lead-up to a massive #solarflare revealed changes near #sun's surface starting three hours before the flash, scientists report. The results could help experts develop methods to predict future solar flares, potentially giving us time to protect Earth’s power grid, orbiting satellites and astronauts.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/solar-flare-warning-signs-eruptions
https://archive.ph/CwA1y

Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare and Earth-bound CME that could spark northern lights for July 4 weekend

https://www.space.com/stargazing/sun-unleashes-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-and-earth-bound-cme-that-could-spark-northern-lights-for-july-4-weekend

However, after further analysis, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm watch for July 3, indicating that at least part of the CME could land Earth with a significant blow.

#Sun #SolarStorm #SolarFlares #NOAA #Space #Weather #Geomagnetic

Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare and Earth-bound CME that could spark northern lights for July 4 weekend

https://www.space.com/stargazing/sun-unleashes-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-and-earth-bound-cme-that-could-spark-northern-lights-for-july-4-weekend

However, after further analysis, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm watch for July 3, indicating that at least part of the CME could land Earth with a significant blow.

#Sun #SolarStorm #SolarFlares #NOAA #Space #Weather #Geomagnetic

Four Days of Solar Dynamics in 16 Minutes ☀️

#Eartheclipse #LightSpectrum #SDO #SolarFlares #SolarMaximum #SolarProminences #SolarProminences/solarFilaments #Sun

⏩ 1 new picture and 1 new video from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=4&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260612125857

Four Days of Solar Dynamics in 16 Minutes ☀️

#Eartheclipse #LightSpectrum #SDO #SolarFlares #SolarMaximum #SolarProminences #SolarProminences/solarFilaments #Sun

⏩ 1 new picture and 1 new video from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=4&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260612125857

“Here comes the sun”*…

Further, in a fashion, to last Wednesday’s post… We’ve looked before (e.g., here) at the potential havoc that solar storms could wreak on our electified lives. Now, as Paul Voosen reports, scientists are speculating on a defense, suggesting that gases released from satellites could slash the threat of severe “space weather”…

When violent eruptions from the Sun slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they do more than paint aurorae across the night sky. They can scramble the electronics of satellites and induce powerful ground currents that knock out electrical grids. It’s been estimated that a one-in-a-100-year solar storm like the 1859 Carrington Event could cause more than $3 trillion of damage to the power grid alone. [See here.]

Yet for decades, society’s only defenses have been better space weather forecasts and more durable technology on the ground and in space. Now, a small group of space physicists says humanity should intervene and weaken solar storms in real time. In a study published [recently] in Space Weather, the researchers describe a provocative proposal called “StormWall”: a fleet of satellites that would release hundreds of tons of gases into space just before a solar storm strikes Earth. Computer simulations suggest the artificial cloud could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by half or more. “It’s as if you could install an airbag in the magnetosphere,” says Daniel Welling, a co-author and space physicist at the University of Michigan.

Call it “helioengineering”—a deliberate intervention in the near-Earth space environment. But unlike controversial geoengineering proposals to mitigate global warming, which would inject long-lived Sun-blocking particles into the atmosphere, StormWall’s protective gases would dissipate within hours, says Brian Walsh, the study’s lead author and a space physicist at Boston University. “It’s waiting for us to do some temporary modification.”

The proposal would require more extensive simulations and testing. But it is “highly innovative and appears to be quite feasible in the near term,” says Allison Jaynes, a space physicist at the University of Iowa. It’s a “laudable idea,” adds Gurudas Ganguli, a space physicist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)…

[Voosen explains the technology proposed and considers the challenges in its implementation…]

… Of course, like an airbag, StormWall would have to be replaced if deployed. But just as NASA and other space agencies are studying how to protect the planet from asteroids [and here], Walsh says there’s a good argument for fortifying an electronics-dependent society against massive solar eruptions. “If we lose all our power grids and can’t use the internet for 6 years, it would be traumatic.”

“Radical proposal would block solar storms with orbital ‘airbag’” from @science.org.

* George Harrison

###

As we apply sunscreen, we might send bright birthday greetings to Godfried Wendelen; he was born on this date in 1580. And astronomer (and Catholic priest) known as “the Ptolemy of his time.” Despite the tenets of his church, Wendelen was an audacious proponent of the Copernican theory that the planets orbit around the sun. He made more accurate measurements of the distance to the sun than those previously made by Aristachus (2,000 years earlier) from the geometrical relationships at the exact time of a half-moon.

Wendelen is considered by many as a precursor of Kepler and Newton, and was in fact cited by Newton in his Principia. The crater Vendelinus on the Moon is named after him

source

“Here comes the sun”*…

Further, in a fashion, to last Wednesday’s post… We’ve looked before (e.g., here) at the potential havoc that solar storms could wreak on our electified lives. Now, as Paul Voosen reports, scientists are speculating on a defense, suggesting that gases released from satellites could slash the threat of severe “space weather”…

When violent eruptions from the Sun slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they do more than paint aurorae across the night sky. They can scramble the electronics of satellites and induce powerful ground currents that knock out electrical grids. It’s been estimated that a one-in-a-100-year solar storm like the 1859 Carrington Event could cause more than $3 trillion of damage to the power grid alone. [See here.]

Yet for decades, society’s only defenses have been better space weather forecasts and more durable technology on the ground and in space. Now, a small group of space physicists says humanity should intervene and weaken solar storms in real time. In a study published [recently] in Space Weather, the researchers describe a provocative proposal called “StormWall”: a fleet of satellites that would release hundreds of tons of gases into space just before a solar storm strikes Earth. Computer simulations suggest the artificial cloud could cut the intensity of a major solar storm by half or more. “It’s as if you could install an airbag in the magnetosphere,” says Daniel Welling, a co-author and space physicist at the University of Michigan.

Call it “helioengineering”—a deliberate intervention in the near-Earth space environment. But unlike controversial geoengineering proposals to mitigate global warming, which would inject long-lived Sun-blocking particles into the atmosphere, StormWall’s protective gases would dissipate within hours, says Brian Walsh, the study’s lead author and a space physicist at Boston University. “It’s waiting for us to do some temporary modification.”

The proposal would require more extensive simulations and testing. But it is “highly innovative and appears to be quite feasible in the near term,” says Allison Jaynes, a space physicist at the University of Iowa. It’s a “laudable idea,” adds Gurudas Ganguli, a space physicist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)…

[Voosen explains the technology proposed and considers the challenges in its implementation…]

… Of course, like an airbag, StormWall would have to be replaced if deployed. But just as NASA and other space agencies are studying how to protect the planet from asteroids [and here], Walsh says there’s a good argument for fortifying an electronics-dependent society against massive solar eruptions. “If we lose all our power grids and can’t use the internet for 6 years, it would be traumatic.”

“Radical proposal would block solar storms with orbital ‘airbag’” from @science.org.

* George Harrison

###

As we apply sunscreen, we might send bright birthday greetings to Godfried Wendelen; he was born on this date in 1580. And astronomer (and Catholic priest) known as “the Ptolemy of his time.” Despite the tenets of his church, Wendelen was an audacious proponent of the Copernican theory that the planets orbit around the sun. He made more accurate measurements of the distance to the sun than those previously made by Aristachus (2,000 years earlier) from the geometrical relationships at the exact time of a half-moon.

Wendelen is considered by many as a precursor of Kepler and Newton, and was in fact cited by Newton in his Principia. The crater Vendelinus on the Moon is named after him

source

Mars' Atmosphere Wracked by "Zwan-Wolf Effect" During Solar Fury

Did a solar flare affect Mars on 15 May 2026? NASA and ESA data show a record electron surge in the Martian atmosphere caused by a powerful solar event.

#marsnews, #solarflares, #spaceexploration, #nasamars, #esa

https://newsletter.tf/mars-solar-flare-may-2026-ionosphere-impact/

On 15 May 2026, an X-class solar flare caused Martian electron levels to jump three times higher than normal. This is the largest increase ever recorded by space agencies.

#marsnews, #solarflares, #spaceexploration, #nasamars, #esa
https://newsletter.tf/mars-solar-flare-may-2026-ionosphere-impact/

Earth's Rhythmic Tremors Escalate, Coinciding with Public Complaints of Sleep Disruption and Auditory Disturbances

Earth's 26-second seismic pulse grew stronger April 7-10, linked to solar flares. Many people reported sleep issues and ringing ears. Pulse returned to normal April 10.

#EarthPulse, #SchumannResonance, #SleepProblems, #SolarFlares, #SeismicActivity

https://newsletter.tf/earth-26-second-pulse-increased-sleep-problems/

Earth's rhythmic tremors got stronger for four days, causing many people to report trouble sleeping and hearing ringing sounds. This is higher than the usual quiet state.

#EarthPulse, #SchumannResonance, #SleepProblems, #SolarFlares, #SeismicActivity
https://newsletter.tf/earth-26-second-pulse-increased-sleep-problems/

Volunteers Find Oddly High Solar Flare Rates https://science.nasa.gov/get-involved/citizen-science/volunteers-find-oddly-high-solar-flare-rates/ #NASA #CitizenScience #HeliophysicsDivision #SolarFlares

Volunteers Find Oddly High Solar Flare Rates https://science.nasa.gov/get-involved/citizen-science/volunteers-find-oddly-high-solar-flare-rates/ #NASA #CitizenScience #HeliophysicsDivision #SolarFlares

See the Sun's Active Region: The Source of the Early-February Flares 🌑🧑‍🚀

#Artemis #Corona #ExtremeUltravioletImaging #Heliophysics #LunarEclipse #SDO #SolarDynamicsObservatory #SolarFlares

⏩ 2 new pictures and 2 new videos from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=8&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260302125804

See the Sun's Active Region: The Source of the Early-February Flares 🌑🧑‍🚀

#Artemis #Corona #ExtremeUltravioletImaging #Heliophysics #LunarEclipse #SDO #SolarDynamicsObservatory #SolarFlares

⏩ 2 new pictures and 2 new videos from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=8&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260302125804

Earth Social Media Shorts, 2026

#Corona #EarthScience #Heliophysics #SDO #SocialMedia #SolarDynamicsObservatory #SolarFlares #SpaceWeather

⏩ 2 new pictures and 1 new video from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=34&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260206125902

Earth Social Media Shorts, 2026

#Corona #EarthScience #Heliophysics #SDO #SocialMedia #SolarDynamicsObservatory #SolarFlares #SpaceWeather

⏩ 2 new pictures and 1 new video from NASA (SVS) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=34&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260206125902

Today’s view (Feb 5, 9:34am EST) of the enormous sunspot region 4366, compared with my previous shot (2nd photo, taken Feb 2).

It’s clearly grown since rotating into view — Space.com says it’s now a staggering 15 Earths wide, big enough to see without telescopes or binoculars (though you still need eye protection). And it’s been spitting out powerful M- and X-class flares. Clear skies to all you aurora hunters out there!

#photography #astronomy #astrophotography #sun #sunspots #solarflares

Today’s view (Feb 5, 9:34am EST) of the enormous sunspot region 4366, compared with my previous shot (2nd photo, taken Feb 2).

It’s clearly grown since rotating into view — Space.com says it’s now a staggering 15 Earths wide, big enough to see without telescopes or binoculars (though you still need eye protection). And it’s been spitting out powerful M- and X-class flares. Clear skies to all you aurora hunters out there!

#photography #astronomy #astrophotography #sun #sunspots #solarflares

There have been FOUR #SolarFlares in the X class over just 20 hours: https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/solar-cycle-25/2026/02/02/sun-releases-4-strong-solar-flares/. But the consequences for Earth will be practically zero: https://bsky.app/profile/vincentledvina.bsky.social/post/3mdv7xktvs22b and https://x.com/JAtanackov/status/2018334607653937177 - what a waste ... ;-)

There have been FOUR #SolarFlares in the X class over just 20 hours: https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/solar-cycle-25/2026/02/02/sun-releases-4-strong-solar-flares/. But the consequences for Earth will be practically zero: https://bsky.app/profile/vincentledvina.bsky.social/post/3mdv7xktvs22b and https://x.com/JAtanackov/status/2018334607653937177 - what a waste ... ;-)

#SolarFlares (Magnitude 2+) in the past 72hours (via #SolarHam)

Flare Events (M2+) Past 72 Hours

M5.2 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 02:50 UTC
X2.8 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 00:36 UTC
X8.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 23:57 UTC
M5.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 16:07 UTC
M5.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:50 UTC
X1.0 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:33 UTC
M6.7 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:12 UTC
M2.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:13 UTC
M6.6 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:02 UTC

Source:
https://solarham.com/

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #AR4366

#SolarFlares (Magnitude 2+) in the past 72hours (via #SolarHam)

Flare Events (M2+) Past 72 Hours

M5.2 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 02:50 UTC
X2.8 AR 4366 2/2/26 @ 00:36 UTC
X8.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 23:57 UTC
M5.1 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 16:07 UTC
M5.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:50 UTC
X1.0 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:33 UTC
M6.7 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 12:12 UTC
M2.8 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:13 UTC
M6.6 AR 4366 2/1/26 @ 10:02 UTC

Source:
https://solarham.com/

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #AR4366

My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #XClassFlares

My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #XClassFlares

@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #AR4366

@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!

#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #AR4366

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

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

It's like #ElonMusk wants there to be a #KesslerEffect! Hard to launch a space program if we can't leave Earth!

#SpaceX seeks go-ahead from the #FCC to put up to a million #DataCenter satellites in orbit

by Alan Boyle on Jan 31, 2026

Excerpt: "SpaceX founder Elon Musk wasn’t kidding about his plans to go big with orbital data centers: The company is asking the Federal Communications Commission to approve a plan to put up to a million satellites in orbit to process data for artificial intelligence applications.

" 'Launching a constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a #Kardashev II-level civilization — one that can harness the sun’s full power — while supporting #AI-driven applications for billions of people today and ensuring humanity’s #multiplanetary future amongst the stars,' SpaceX said in an application filed with the FCC on Friday."

Read more:
https://www.geekwire.com/2026/spacex-fcc-million-data-center-satellites/

#AISatellites #SkyNet #DarkSkies #Starlink #LowEarthOrbit #LEO #KesslerSyndrome #SolarFlares #Grounded

It's like #ElonMusk wants there to be a #KesslerEffect! Hard to launch a space program if we can't leave Earth!

#SpaceX seeks go-ahead from the #FCC to put up to a million #DataCenter satellites in orbit

by Alan Boyle on Jan 31, 2026

Excerpt: "SpaceX founder Elon Musk wasn’t kidding about his plans to go big with orbital data centers: The company is asking the Federal Communications Commission to approve a plan to put up to a million satellites in orbit to process data for artificial intelligence applications.

" 'Launching a constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a #Kardashev II-level civilization — one that can harness the sun’s full power — while supporting #AI-driven applications for billions of people today and ensuring humanity’s #multiplanetary future amongst the stars,' SpaceX said in an application filed with the FCC on Friday."

Read more:
https://www.geekwire.com/2026/spacex-fcc-million-data-center-satellites/

#AISatellites #SkyNet #DarkSkies #Starlink #LowEarthOrbit #LEO #KesslerSyndrome #SolarFlares #Grounded

@solarflarealert Isn't that the 2nd X-class flare today? Ruh roh is right!

#SolarFlares #XFlares #KesslerEffect #Starlinks

@solarflarealert Isn't that the 2nd X-class flare today? Ruh roh is right!

#SolarFlares #XFlares #KesslerEffect #Starlinks

Space Daily: Century-old solar records refine future cycle forecasts. “An international team of astronomers has developed a new way to extract solar polar magnetic information from more than a century of historical observations, improving prospects for predicting future solar cycle activity.”

Space Daily: Century-old solar records refine future cycle forecasts. “An international team of astronomers has developed a new way to extract solar polar magnetic information from more than a century of historical observations, improving prospects for predicting future solar cycle activity.”

Zooming in on magnetic reconnection 🛰️

#Solareruptions #Solarflares

⏩ 4 new pictures and 2 new videos from ESA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=6&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260122060102

Zooming in on magnetic reconnection 🛰️

#Solareruptions #Solarflares

⏩ 4 new pictures and 2 new videos from ESA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=6&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260122060102

A magnetic avalanche as the central engine powering a solar flare: https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2026/01/aa57253-25/aa57253-25.html -> Magnetic avalanches power #SolarFlares, finds Solar Orbiter: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter/Magnetic_avalanches_power_solar_flares_finds_Solar_Orbiter

A magnetic avalanche as the central engine powering a solar flare: https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2026/01/aa57253-25/aa57253-25.html -> Magnetic avalanches power #SolarFlares, finds Solar Orbiter: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter/Magnetic_avalanches_power_solar_flares_finds_Solar_Orbiter

Ice on Mars might be nice for building domes, but it will not protect humans from high‑energy galactic cosmic rays which is the dominant form of radiation hitting the surface of Mars. Then there are the occasional solar particle events... can you say instant sun burn!
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/building-mars-colonies-with-ice-how-scientists-plan-to-make-it-possible/articleshow/126107998.cms #Mars #Space #SpaceTravel #CosmicRays #Radiation #SolarFlares #Planets #SolarSystem

Ice on Mars might be nice for building domes, but it will not protect humans from high‑energy galactic cosmic rays which is the dominant form of radiation hitting the surface of Mars. Then there are the occasional solar particle events... can you say instant sun burn!
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/building-mars-colonies-with-ice-how-scientists-plan-to-make-it-possible/articleshow/126107998.cms #Mars #Space #SpaceTravel #CosmicRays #Radiation #SolarFlares #Planets #SolarSystem

We need to shift from the grid as the primary source of electricity, with renewables and batteries as individualized backups, to the other way around.

Being one solar event away from the collapse of our society, individualized sources of electricity can be protected by Faraday cages, with the grid (relieved of strain) serving remote areas and backing up individual solutions in the event of failure.

#link: https://youtu.be/TsmlyqZJOug

#electricity #SolarFlares #renewables #batteries

We need to shift from the grid as the primary source of electricity, with renewables and batteries as individualized backups, to the other way around.

Being one solar event away from the collapse of our society, individualized sources of electricity can be protected by Faraday cages, with the grid (relieved of strain) serving remote areas and backing up individual solutions in the event of failure.

#link: https://youtu.be/TsmlyqZJOug

#electricity #SolarFlares #renewables #batteries

Strong (G3) #GeomagneticStorm WATCH Valid for 09 Dec 2025

published: Sunday, December 07, 2025 04:42 UTC

A full-halo coronal mass ejection (#CME), associated with an M8.1 flare from Region 4299 at 20:39 UTC on 06 December, is expected to impact Earth early to midday on 09 December, potentially causing periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming.

Strong Geomagnetic Storm WATCH Valid for 09 December G3

WHAT: A CME is expected to arrive at Earth on 09 December and lead to increased geomagnetic field activity.

EVENT:

A coronal mass ejection (CME) is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields. When they arrive at Earth, a geomagnetic storm can result. Watches at this level are infrequent, but not uncommon.

EXPECTATION:

A CME is anticipated to arrive at Earth early to midday on 09 December causing elevated geomagnetic field activity, and dependent upon the orientation of the embedded magnetic field, potential exists for G3-Strong storm levels.

EFFECTS:

Limited, minor effects to some technological infrastructure possible, but usually mitigatable. The aurora may become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon. The general public should consider monitoring our webpage for the latest information and updates.

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/strong-g3-geomagnetic-storm-watch-valid-09-dec-2025

#CMEs #SpaceWeather #SolarFlares #G3

Strong (G3) #GeomagneticStorm WATCH Valid for 09 Dec 2025

published: Sunday, December 07, 2025 04:42 UTC

A full-halo coronal mass ejection (#CME), associated with an M8.1 flare from Region 4299 at 20:39 UTC on 06 December, is expected to impact Earth early to midday on 09 December, potentially causing periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming.

Strong Geomagnetic Storm WATCH Valid for 09 December G3

WHAT: A CME is expected to arrive at Earth on 09 December and lead to increased geomagnetic field activity.

EVENT:

A coronal mass ejection (CME) is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields. When they arrive at Earth, a geomagnetic storm can result. Watches at this level are infrequent, but not uncommon.

EXPECTATION:

A CME is anticipated to arrive at Earth early to midday on 09 December causing elevated geomagnetic field activity, and dependent upon the orientation of the embedded magnetic field, potential exists for G3-Strong storm levels.

EFFECTS:

Limited, minor effects to some technological infrastructure possible, but usually mitigatable. The aurora may become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon. The general public should consider monitoring our webpage for the latest information and updates.

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/strong-g3-geomagnetic-storm-watch-valid-09-dec-2025

#CMEs #SpaceWeather #SolarFlares #G3

Planes grounded after #Airbus discovers #SolarRadiation could impact #systems

Theo Leggett and Yang Tian, BBC News, December 5, 2025

Excerpt: "Airbus discovered that, at high altitudes, its data could be corrupted by intense radiation released periodically by the Sun.

"That led to the October incident in which an aircraft suddenly lost altitude - though the manufacturer said this was the only time an incident of its kind had occurred."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8e9d13x2z7o

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/2DJBE

#SolarFlares #Grounded

Planes grounded after #Airbus discovers #SolarRadiation could impact #systems

Theo Leggett and Yang Tian, BBC News, December 5, 2025

Excerpt: "Airbus discovered that, at high altitudes, its data could be corrupted by intense radiation released periodically by the Sun.

"That led to the October incident in which an aircraft suddenly lost altitude - though the manufacturer said this was the only time an incident of its kind had occurred."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8e9d13x2z7o

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/2DJBE

#SolarFlares #Grounded

Record #SolarSuperstorm shrank Earth’s plasma shield 78%, #GPS at risk

Story by Alexander Clark, 12/1/2025

Excerpt: "Why this storm is a warning shot for the #SatelliteEconomy

"Even without a total collapse of the magnetosphere, the recent superstorm delivered a clear warning to the satellite industry. Constellations in low Earth orbit [#LEO], such as #SpaceX’s #Starlink or #OneWeb, already have to contend with atmospheric drag and radiation, but they usually operate well inside the magnetosphere’s protection. When the plasma shield shrinks, those satellites face a double challenge: increased drag from a heated upper atmosphere and a more hostile radiation environment that can degrade electronics and solar panels. The event that compressed Earth’s shield by nearly 80 percent effectively stress-tested the assumptions behind the rapid expansion of commercial space infrastructure, a point underscored in analyses of how a solar storm can threaten satellites when the magnetosphere is squeezed.

"For operators of navigation, communications, and Earth observation satellites in higher orbits, the implications are even more direct. Many of these spacecraft were designed based on historical records of geomagnetic storms that did not include such extreme compression of the magnetosphere, which means their shielding, redundancy, and fault management systems may not fully account for the conditions seen in this event. As I look at the trajectory of the satellite economy, with thousands of new platforms planned for launch in the coming years, the lesson is clear: space weather resilience can no longer be treated as a niche concern. It has to be built into hardware design, constellation architecture, and operational playbooks from the start, or the next superstorm could turn a profitable orbital network into a liability overnight.

"Preparing for the next superstorm in a crowded sky

"The recent compression of Earth’s plasma shield did not trigger the kind of global blackout or navigation collapse that worst-case scenarios envision, but it came close enough to expose the seams in current preparedness. Space weather forecasting has improved, yet the lead times and confidence levels are still limited, especially for the most extreme events. To protect GPS, power grids, and other critical systems, operators need not just alerts that a storm is coming but actionable guidance on how severe the magnetospheric compression is likely to be, which orbits will be most exposed, and how long the elevated risk will last, insights that depend on the kind of multi-satellite observations and modeling showcased in the reconstruction of this storm.

"As I weigh the evidence, the path forward looks less like a single technological fix and more like a layered strategy. That means hardening satellites and ground infrastructure against radiation and induced currents, building redundancy into navigation and timing systems so that GPS is not a single point of failure, and integrating space weather scenarios into everything from grid planning to aviation routing. It also means improving public communication so that when the next superstorm hits, people understand both the seriousness of a 78 percent shrinkage of Earth’s plasma shield and the practical steps being taken to manage the risk. The recent event was a vivid reminder that our digital civilization is built inside a magnetic cocoon that can flex and falter, and that planning for those moments is no longer optional."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/record-superstorm-shrank-earth-s-plasma-shield-78-gps-at-risk/ar-AA1RvRy2?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=692e27870291497eb907556f3dfde189&ei=10

#SolarSuperstorm #SolarFlares #Magnetosphere #MagnetosphericCompression #Satellites #SpaceIndustry #DarkSkies #SpaceJunk #InternetOutages #KesslerSyndrome #CarringtonEvent #SystemVulnerabilities #ConnectedGrids #TechDisruption #DisruptiveTechnology
#Landlines #TechVulnerability

Record #SolarSuperstorm shrank Earth’s plasma shield 78%, #GPS at risk

Story by Alexander Clark, 12/1/2025

Excerpt: "Why this storm is a warning shot for the #SatelliteEconomy

"Even without a total collapse of the magnetosphere, the recent superstorm delivered a clear warning to the satellite industry. Constellations in low Earth orbit [#LEO], such as #SpaceX’s #Starlink or #OneWeb, already have to contend with atmospheric drag and radiation, but they usually operate well inside the magnetosphere’s protection. When the plasma shield shrinks, those satellites face a double challenge: increased drag from a heated upper atmosphere and a more hostile radiation environment that can degrade electronics and solar panels. The event that compressed Earth’s shield by nearly 80 percent effectively stress-tested the assumptions behind the rapid expansion of commercial space infrastructure, a point underscored in analyses of how a solar storm can threaten satellites when the magnetosphere is squeezed.

"For operators of navigation, communications, and Earth observation satellites in higher orbits, the implications are even more direct. Many of these spacecraft were designed based on historical records of geomagnetic storms that did not include such extreme compression of the magnetosphere, which means their shielding, redundancy, and fault management systems may not fully account for the conditions seen in this event. As I look at the trajectory of the satellite economy, with thousands of new platforms planned for launch in the coming years, the lesson is clear: space weather resilience can no longer be treated as a niche concern. It has to be built into hardware design, constellation architecture, and operational playbooks from the start, or the next superstorm could turn a profitable orbital network into a liability overnight.

"Preparing for the next superstorm in a crowded sky

"The recent compression of Earth’s plasma shield did not trigger the kind of global blackout or navigation collapse that worst-case scenarios envision, but it came close enough to expose the seams in current preparedness. Space weather forecasting has improved, yet the lead times and confidence levels are still limited, especially for the most extreme events. To protect GPS, power grids, and other critical systems, operators need not just alerts that a storm is coming but actionable guidance on how severe the magnetospheric compression is likely to be, which orbits will be most exposed, and how long the elevated risk will last, insights that depend on the kind of multi-satellite observations and modeling showcased in the reconstruction of this storm.

"As I weigh the evidence, the path forward looks less like a single technological fix and more like a layered strategy. That means hardening satellites and ground infrastructure against radiation and induced currents, building redundancy into navigation and timing systems so that GPS is not a single point of failure, and integrating space weather scenarios into everything from grid planning to aviation routing. It also means improving public communication so that when the next superstorm hits, people understand both the seriousness of a 78 percent shrinkage of Earth’s plasma shield and the practical steps being taken to manage the risk. The recent event was a vivid reminder that our digital civilization is built inside a magnetic cocoon that can flex and falter, and that planning for those moments is no longer optional."

Read more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/record-superstorm-shrank-earth-s-plasma-shield-78-gps-at-risk/ar-AA1RvRy2?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=692e27870291497eb907556f3dfde189&ei=10

#SolarSuperstorm #SolarFlares #Magnetosphere #MagnetosphericCompression #Satellites #SpaceIndustry #DarkSkies #SpaceJunk #InternetOutages #KesslerSyndrome #CarringtonEvent #SystemVulnerabilities #ConnectedGrids #TechDisruption #DisruptiveTechnology
#Landlines #TechVulnerability

Systematic Nonthermal Velocity Increase Preceding Soft X-Ray Flare Onset - A Large-scale Hinode/EIS Study: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ae07de -> How #SolarFlares Hint That They’re About to Happen: https://aasnova.org/2025/12/01/how-solar-flares-hint-that-theyre-about-to-happen/

Earth from Space: The Danakil Depression ☀️🇪🇺🌍🛰️🪐

#Mercury #Planetarymission #Solarflares #Spaceweather #Sun #Suncorona #Ultraviolet

⏩ 3 new pictures from ESA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=3&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20251122060440

Solar flares, #sunspots, and geomagnetic storms—oh my! 🌞🔭 Apparently, we need a PhD in #Astrophysics just to understand this avalanche of jargon about cosmic burps. 🙄 After all, what's a little G4 storm when we're already drowning in acronyms? 🌌😂
https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/news/view/593/20251111-x5-1-solar-flare-g4-geomagnetic-storm-watch.html #SolarFlares #GeomagneticStorms #CosmicJargon #HackerNews #ngated

Aurora Alert! Aurora Alert!

Dobviews Solar Activity Report Nov 11, 2025

#cannibalCME
#astronomy
#CME
#solarflares
#geomagneticstorms
#photography
#astrophotography
#smartphoneastronomy

https://youtube.com/shorts/enlHqnGkbUk?si=NtlTx8kxNpuXFUVC