The strongest Solar Radiation Storm since May of 2005 is under way. The sun unleashed a powerful M9-class solar flare from sunspot 1402 on January 22nd around 11:00pm EST, and the flare is heading towards Earth.
Latest GOES-15 Image.
M9-Class Solar Flare from NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory.
A computer model by the NOAA predicts the Coronal Mass Ejection will reach Earth by around 9:00am EST (+/- 7 hours) traveling at a speed of approximately 1,367 miles per second.
Solar Wind Prediction from NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center.
These kind of storms can affect satellites in geosynchronous, polar and other orbits. Sky watchers in higher than normal latitudes should be on the lookout for aurora. If you have clear skies, this may be a great chance to get out and see the aurora for yourself. Looking at the weather predictions for Plattsburgh, NY it's looking like we're clouded in the next few nights, so there is a very slim chance I will get to see it.
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