#solarflares — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #solarflares, aggregated by home.social.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 ... ;-)
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#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 UTCSource:
https://solarham.com/ -
#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 UTCSource:
https://solarham.com/ -
#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 UTCSource:
https://solarham.com/ -
#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 UTCSource:
https://solarham.com/ -
#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 UTCSource:
https://solarham.com/ -
My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...
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My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...
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My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...
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My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...
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My estimation (based on the position of #AR4366) is that it will be Earth-facing in 4-5 days...
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@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!
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@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!
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@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!
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@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!
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@solarflarealert Another one?!!! Yikes!
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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."#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares
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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."#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares
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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."#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares
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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."#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares
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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."#SolarFlares #SolarCycle25 #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome #XClassFlares
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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
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@solarflarealert Isn't that the 2nd X-class flare today? Ruh roh is right!
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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.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/01/22/space-daily-century-old-solar-records-refine-future-cycle-forecasts/ -
Zooming in on magnetic reconnection 🛰️
⏩ 4 new pictures and 2 new videos from ESA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:ListFiles?limit=6&user=OptimusPrimeBot&ilshowall=1&offset=20260122060102
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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
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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.
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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
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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/c8e9d13x2z7oArchived version:
https://archive.ph/2DJBE -
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."
#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."
#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."
#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."
#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."
#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/
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 -
The end of Solar Cycle 25 and the solar activity changes we can expect to see!
Thank you to SOHO and GOES18 for the added gifs and mpegs of the sun.
Info: spaceweather.com#cme
#solarflares
#astronomy
#solaractivity
#photography
#astrophotography
#smartphoneastronomy -
Even the sun is getting in on the #ExtremeWeather action! Yikes!
'The sun is slowly waking up': NASA warns that there may be more extreme #SpaceWeather for decades to come
NewsA new NASA study suggests that solar activity will remain high or rise further in the coming decades, contradicting previous assumptions that the sun was quieting down — and scientists "don't completely understand" why.
By Harry Baker, published September 17, 2025
"NASA scientists are warning that the sun may be "waking up" from a brief period of relative inactivity, contradicting past assumptions about our home star. If true, this could mean that decades of potentially dangerous space weather are in store.
[...]
"In a new study, published Sept. 8 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, researchers analyzed multiple metrics of solar activity, including solar wind, magnetic field strength and sunspot numbers, and found that they have been on an upward trend since around 2008, and could rise further over future cycles, suggesting that the deep solar minimum theory is well and truly dead.
[...]
"During the current maximum, Earth has also been hit by several major geomagnetic storms, or disturbances to the planet's magnetic field. The most noteworthy was an 'extreme' event in May 2024, which triggered some of the most vibrant aurora displays in centuries and caused over $500 million in damages."
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Solar Flare Ion Temperatures: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adf74a -> #SolarFlares over 6 times hotter than previously thought: https://news.st-andrews.ac.uk/archive/solar-flares-over-6-times-hotter-than-previously-thought/
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Left my #Bieonno battery at home. Glad #ft817 internal battery was charged. Used at 2.5 watts to make 38 contacts CW #morsecode contacts across the U.S. for a sunrise #hamradio #amateurradio #pota #parksontheair activation in spite of early a.m. #SolarFlares and changing #hfbandconditions