http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/science/space/solar-storm-reaches-earth-and-experts-say-to-expect-more.htmlWhat's the latest - The coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived at Earth early Thursday morning at approximately 5:45am ET.
- Fortunately, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, the orientation of the magnetic field has been opposite of what is needed to cause the strongest storming.
- A
G1 warning (minor impact on satellites) has been issued through Thursday evening by NOAA's SWPC. It is still believed that the CME could reach a G3-magnitude geomagnetic storm.
What happened? - The sun let loose an intense solar flare on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:28pm ET from sunspot 1429.
- This is 2nd largest flare during this current solar activity cycle.
Magnitude of event - This eruption from the sun has been classified as an X5.4-class solar flare.
- X-class flares are the strongest classification of solar flares.