Via SpaceWeather.com
Satellites orbiting the earth have just detected a X1.3 class solar flare (March 30, 1737 UT). The source is an active sunspot AR2975–The same sunspot has thrown at least two CMEs towards Earth this week. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the flare’s intense ultraviolet rays:
Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth’s atmosphere, causing shortwave radio blackouts in the Americas. This is a blackout map. Aviation, marine, and ham radio operators may have noticed unusual propagation effects at frequencies below 30 MHz.
A CME is almost certainly emerging from the blast site. SOHO’s photometers have yet to detect the cloud, but there is clear circumstantial evidence. For example, the United States Air Force detected a Class II solar radio explosion, a type of natural radio signal generated by CME shock waves. In addition, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has take a photo of a solar tsunami appears to have been produced by a CME leaving the sun’s atmosphere.
Stay tuned for updates on what this power event means for Earth.
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