First Solar Flare of 2017 & CME / New Sunspot Emerging / Chance of Storms Jan. 13
The first solar eruption of 2017! A huge eruption registering as a C3.8 Solar Flare on Thursday collapsed and launched a nice stream of plasma into space.
Because the eruption was not facing Earth, it will be directed towards the east and away from our planet.
Chance of Storms
A solar wind stream is going to hit Earth's magnetic field on late Jan. 13th lighting up the Arctic Circle. The stream is preceded by a CIR (co-rotating interaction region)--a transition zone between fast- and slow-moving solar wind. Plasma piles up in CIRs, producing density gradients and shocks that often do a good job sparking auroras. Arctic skywatchers should be alert for visible auroral displays. http://www.spaceweather.com/
An actual sunspot is now turning into view off the east limb and we will get a better look during the next few days. http://www.solarham.net/
Clips, images credit: NASA/SDO & Helioviewer.org
