X 7 class solar flare from sunspot 720

[fedsron2us]

This is the biggest to date. There have been at least three X class flares from from this one object over the past 5 days. It has been quite a show. Strong auroras are a distinct possibility



As always more info can be found at

http://spaceweather.com/

[indigobusiness]

1. "Biggest to date"

this year.

Far from biggest to date. But thanks for the alert. The sun is angry.

[nashville_brook]

2. why is the sun so dang angry lately?

[indigobusiness]

3. It's a mystery. But it has been acting very strangely for months.

This thread has a lot of info and some great photos (forgive the "Elvis" pic):

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=16404&mesg_id=16404

[fedsron2us]

4. I mean biggest from sunspot 720

There is a geomagnetic storm going on at the moment but unfortunately cloud cover means I am unlikely to see the aurora.

[WritersBlock]

5. Just got an "amber alert" from Aurora Watch, but it looks

cloudy in Scotland, too. Still may try to stay up till around midnight just in case.

On edit - just went outside & saw a star, so there may be some chance of good viewing tonight.

[indigobusiness]

6. Good luck!

Keep us posted.

[WritersBlock]

7. I will...

I'll go out around midnight or so. I've never seen an aurora, but I've spent several hours standing staring up at the sky in cold weather. Glutton for punishment.

[WritersBlock]

8. "Red Alert" from them now.

Very high local activity

http://www.dcs.lancs.ac.uk/iono/aurorawatch/

[indigobusiness]

9. Good for you!

Everybody should witness aurorae.

Take pictures!

[WritersBlock]

10. No joy.

Went out every half hour or so in the middle of the night. Gave up around 1:30ish, which may have been too early, but I was tired. Maybe next time!

[indigobusiness]

11. Bummer.

Maybe tonight.