NASA reports that a huge X1.4 class flare erupted from the center of the sun on July 12, 2012, at 10 a.m. PDT, which erupted from a part of the sun known as Active Region 1520.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has released this incredible image of the enormous flare, which could well interfere with radio and navigation systems on Earth.
Making the situation even more volatile, the flight center reports there was a coronal mass ejection, which occurred simultaneously.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports:
"These strong solar winds are associated with the aurora effect here on Earth, meaning we could be in for some pretty sights. Take a look at the aurora pictures in this gallery and see if you think if it’s worth the risk of electronic interruption."
http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/2012/07/12/nasa-solar-flare-photo-the-sun-burped/
Reports have been coming in worldwide of exquisite skies with gorgeous aurora borealis effects, some of them in the most unlikely of places.
Is there any danger from this super-charged radiation that is hitting Earth? Is there a link to the 2012 doomsday prophesies we are hearing so much about?
Universe Today weighs in on the likelihood of Earth's being affected by these raging storms:
"According to one of the many Doomsday scenarios we have been presented with in the run-up to the Mayan Prophecy-fuelled “end of the world” in the year 2012, this scenario is actually based on some science. What’s more, there may be some correlation between the 11-year solar cycle and the time cycles seen in the Mayan calendar, perhaps this ancient civilization understood how the Sun’s magnetism undergoes polarity changes every decade or so? Plus, religious texts (such as the Bible) say that we are due for a day of judgement, involving a lot of fire and brimstone. So it looks like we are going to get roasted alive by our closest star on Dec. 21, 2012!"
Before we go jumping to conclusions, take a step back and think this through. Like most of the potential ways the world could end in 2012, the possibility of the sun blasting out a huge, Earth-damaging solar flare is very attractive to the doomsayers out there....what really happens during an Earth-directed solar flare event, the Earth is actually very well protected. Although some satellites may not be…
Full article at:
http://www.universetoday.com/14645/2012-no-killer-solar-flare/
Whether you believe the doomsday prophesies or not, the sun is only just beginning to send these enormous bursts our way, as scientists predict much more to come this summer. While we are still safe from the effects of radiation, some communications have already been affected globally - only time will tell whether or not the "perfect storm" will hit us again. In the meantime...enjoy the spectacular aurora borealis effects that are being spotted around the world.
More on solar storms by Michelle Devlin: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/12537575-huge-solar-storm-hits-planet-earth-how-is-it-affecting-humans
Full story w. pics: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/12584977-solar-flares-nasa-pics-of-stunning-cme
