sunspots (Page 3)

Despite the fact that the maximum activity period of the 11-year solar cycle was supposed to start winding down last February, solar activity remains at a very high level, making this one of the largest solar maximums recorded so far. Sunspots affect the weather, as well as cellphones and radio and television transmissions. To see an incredible photo of a recent sunspot,click here.

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Earth was struck by an unexpected proton storm from the sun on Thursday, August 16. The proton count around our planet rose to 1000 times normal. Scientists were taken by surprise, both by the storm itself and by the speed with which it reached earth.

Normally, proton storms that reach earth come from the side of the sun facing our planet, and are the result of explosions from sunspots. However, no such explosion took place this time. It is believed that a sunspot on the far side of the sun must have exploded, but holographic imagery showing the far side of the sun was insufficient to record the explosion.
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NASA’s ACE spacecraft recorded a strong interplanetary shock wave at 0025UT on March 31st. The shock wave struck earth’s magnetosphere 30 minutes later. The leading edge of the wave was proton-dense and strongly magnetic.

These are characteristics that can lead to significant geomagnetic disturbances. The shock wave may be the first of two that will strike the earth in quick succession. Until the second passes the ACE spacecraft, its strength will not be known, but if it is as strong, the planet will be subjected to powerful and prolonged magentic storms. It is possible that the waves combined enroute and this will be the only one, but another wave is more likely.
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