Strong X2.5 Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

Sunspot AR3576 erupted today at 06:53 UT producing a brief but intense solar flare. The unusual brevity of the flare may be the only reason it did not cause a solar radiation storm. A type II radio emission with an estimated velocity of 2674 km/s was recorded. The impulsive X2.5 solar flare resulted in a beautiful eruption of plasma off the southwest limb. Although the bulk of plasma should be aimed away from our planet, an Earth directed component might be possible. Radiation from the flare ionized the top of Earth’s atmosphere. This, in turn, caused a strong shortwave radio blackout over Australia, SE Asia, China, India, Indian Ocean, Sthn Africa/South Africa (RSA) and Middle East. Mariners and ham radio operators may have noticed loss of signal at frequencies below 30 MHz. Thanks for watching! #Xflare #CME #radioblackout Images credit: AIA/SDO, , NOAA/SWPC, nemesis maturity channel, Music credit: YouTube Audio Library