Sunspot AR2929 erupted again on Jan. 20th (0601 UT), producing a powerful M5.5-class solar flare. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the extreme ultraviolet flash:
During the flare, a pulse of X-rays ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout around the Indian Ocean: blackout map. Aviators, mariners, and ham radio operators in the area may have noticed unusual propagation effects at frequencies below 30 MHz.
The explosion probably produced a CME. Confirmation awaits fresh data from SOHO coronagraphs. Stay tuned.
During the flare, a pulse of X-rays ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a shortwave radio blackout around the Indian Ocean: blackout map. Aviators, mariners, and ham radio operators in the area may have noticed unusual propagation effects at frequencies below 30 MHz.
The explosion probably produced a CME. Confirmation awaits fresh data from SOHO coronagraphs. Stay tuned.