2 colossal solar flares explode from the sun and Earth is in the firing line (video)

[Admin]

Newly emerged sunspot fires off X-class and an M-class solar flares in relatively quick succession. Watch the striking video and read about the possible effects here.

2 colossal solar flares explode from the sun and Earth is in the firing line (video) : Read more

 

[BradW]

I am unclear about the statement that solar flares travel at the speed of light. I get that the light from them does, but the high energy charged particles do not, and they are the more important factor in terms of terrestrial impacts. It would make more sense to me if it said the light arrives at the speed of light (about 8 min travel time) and the high energy particles travel almost as fast arriving some minutes later. Pedantic perhaps, but worth the clarification, I think, because of the important underlying principle that particles with rest mass cannot travel at the speed of light!

 

[Erik37]

I agree, I don't care about the light I'm more concerned about when the flare is going to hit earth.

 

[billslugg]

The solar flare emits X-rays that arrive in 8 minutes and ionize the upper atmosphere, degrade radio communications, and heat and raise the atmosphere. Some solar flares are accompanied by coronal mass ejections which are basically protons and electrons. They take 2-3 days to get here. Their charge will mess with the Earth's magnetic field, causing surges in the power grid. The particles create auroras and endanger astronauts.