Sun Unleashes Most Powerful Flare Since 2006

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Sun Unleashes Most Powerful Flare Since 2006

Posted by Unknown on Tuesday August 9, 2011 @07:20AM from the solar-flares-carrier-lost dept.

astroengine writes "Early Tuesday morning, the Sun unleashed a powerful X-class flare. The X7 flare is the most energetic explosion to come from the Sun since December 2006. Although the flare was directed away from the Earth, a minor proton storm was detected and some radio communications have been disrupted due to higher-than-normal rates of ionization in the Earth's ionosphere. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the whole event, imaging the flaring site and multi-million degree post-flare plasma."

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Wrong Sun by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-09 07:22 · Score: 1, Insightful

When I first read the headline, my thought was "Wow, I didn't know Sun even had a server line called Flare".
1. Re:Wrong Sun by TigerTime · 2011-08-09 07:44 · Score: 2
  
  I was kinda thinking along the same lines. And shouldn't we just go ahead and call our Sun, Oracle?
2. Re:Wrong Sun by X0563511 · 2011-08-09 11:36 · Score: 1
  
  That would be hilarious on entirely different levels.
  I could see it in a few thousands years...
  "So they were still a sol-worshiping culture then?"
  
  --
  For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
3. Re:Wrong Sun by k4f · 2011-08-09 14:36 · Score: 1
  
  I am get surprised really and what about flare if its near about earth .... its cause this
Give it to me straight by paiute · 2011-08-09 07:24 · Score: 1

If the flare had been directed towards the earth, what would have happened?

--
If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
1. Re:Give it to me straight by SIR_Taco · 2011-08-09 07:26 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  Oracle would have snatched it up
  
  --
  I say don't drink and drive, you might spill your drink. Before you get behind the wheel just stop and think.
2. Re:Give it to me straight by magarity · 2011-08-09 07:28 · Score: 1
  
  If the flare had been directed towards the earth, what would have happened?
  Communications problems today. Increased incidents of skin cancer next year.
3. Re:Give it to me straight by jellomizer · 2011-08-09 07:39 · Score: 1
  
  Nothing unless it is the end of October or 2012. Then still my bets are nothing will happen then either.
  Heck I am willing to bet all my earthly possessions that the world will not end in my lifetime.
  
  --
  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
4. Re:Give it to me straight by Lurching · 2011-08-09 07:40 · Score: 1
  
  Some probability of radiation damage to the ISS, including the inhabitants.
5. Re:Give it to me straight by vlm · 2011-08-09 08:01 · Score: 2
  
  If the flare had been directed towards the earth, what would have happened?
  VHF ham radio guys all call in sick tomorrow to bounce signals off the aurora. Seriously. Every time there's a huge auroral display there is a distinct lack of ham radio callsign license plates in the parking lot.... Its like the worlds largest physics experiment, lotsa fun.
  
  --
  "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
6. Re:Give it to me straight by multisync · 2011-08-09 08:11 · Score: 1
  
  Obama would have blamed the Republicans, blue dog Democrats, the Tea Party, people clinging to guns and religion, the Cambridge police acting stupidly, George W. Bush, talk radio, the Canadians, Richard Nixon, Neville Chamberlain, Gavril Princip, Robert E. Lee, James Madison, Charles I, Constantine, Diocletian, Nebuchadnezzar, Hammurabi, Tutankhamen, Imhotep, Abraham, Seth, and Adam.
  In this case, he would have been wrong.
  
  --
  I don't care why you're posting AC
7. Re:Give it to me straight by Dunbal · 2011-08-09 08:21 · Score: 1
  
  Obama would have blamed it.
  
  --
  Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
8. Re:Give it to me straight by NotQuiteReal · 2011-08-09 08:30 · Score: 2
  
  Increased incidents of skin cancer next year
  
  Not for those of us who live in Mom's basement, thank you very much.
  
  --
  This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
9. Re:Give it to me straight by tedgyz · 2011-08-09 08:36 · Score: 2
  
  If the flare had been directed towards the earth, what would have happened?
  Communications problems today. Increased incidents of skin cancer next year.
  Refer to GP comment about Oracle.
  
  --
  "No matter where you go, there you are." -- Buckaroo Banzai
10. Re:Give it to me straight by hairyfeet · 2011-08-09 08:39 · Score: 2
  
  Well to answer that you would have to answer a question for me...do you plan to be alive in 2036? Because we will be having a visit from 99942 Apophis in 2029 and whether or not people in 2036 are gonna be having a REALLY bad day in August will depend on how close it goes to the "keyhole" because if it goes through the center of the keyhole our gravity will pull it enough to cause it to slam into us in 2036 if we don't stop it.
  For more information see these these two videos by Neil Degrasse Tyson.
  
  --
  ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
11. Re:Give it to me straight by jellomizer · 2011-08-09 08:43 · Score: 1
  
  Either Way, the process of the world ending will probably kill me before the world actually ends.
  
  --
  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
12. Re:Give it to me straight by HaZardman27 · 2011-08-09 08:47 · Score: 1
  
  Hey, if you're wrong, what do you have to lose?
  
  --
  Apparently wizard is not a legitimate career path, so I chose programmer instead.
13. Re:Give it to me straight by Thud457 · 2011-08-09 10:32 · Score: 2
  
  someone will get a small bruise on the upper arm
  
  --
  the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
14. Re:Give it to me straight by djtachyon · 2011-08-09 11:29 · Score: 1
  
  If the flare had been directed towards the earth, what would have happened?
  A better question; what if this X-WHATEVER FLARE! (X 28) flare from November 2003 was pointed towards us?
  
  --
  "What's the use of a good quotation if you can't change it?" - Doctor Who
15. Re:Give it to me straight by camperslo · 2011-08-09 13:45 · Score: 1
  
  Communications problems today. Increased incidents of skin cancer next year.
  As low-frequency F-layer skip is disturbed, some may enjoy sporadic E-layer skip activity. That sometimes allows people to pick up VHF television (especially channels 2-6) and FM radio stations (lower end of band) from 1000 miles or so away away. Those in less congested areas have a better chance of hearing something. Although signals sometimes get pretty strong, it is helpful to use a directional antenna pointed away from the local signals. It's a daytime thing.
16. Re:Give it to me straight by Coren22 · 2011-08-10 06:14 · Score: 1
  
  until August 2006, when the probability that Apophis will pass through the keyhole was determined to be very small. Apophis broke the record for the highest level on the Torino Scale, being, for only a short time, a level 4, before it was lowered.[7] Its diameter is approximately 270 meters (885 ft).[2] As of October 7, 2009, the odds of an April 13, 2036 impact are considered to be 1 in 250,000.
  It does not say that is isn't possible anymore, only that the possibility decreased. This does not contradict the person you were replying to.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
The moon never pulls shit like this. by xxxJonBoyxxx · 2011-08-09 07:27 · Score: 4, Funny

The moon never pulls shit like this.
(Apologies to The Onion - kind of sad when that site beats SlashDot to news like this.)
1. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by ColdWetDog · 2011-08-09 07:31 · Score: 2
  
  This has been all over Slashdot, all over the rest of the media since it was detected. It's weird. It didn't do very much and it was apparent within 24 hours that it didn't do all that much yet it got impressively hyped. At the same time, London is trying to deal with the worst riots in a couple of decades, Syria is launching tank attacks at it's population, Wall Street is in free fall - so it's not like it is a slow news day.
  What a bunch of Drama Queens.
  Armageddon much?
  
  --
  Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
2. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by deains · 2011-08-09 07:39 · Score: 2
  
  When the Earth falls to dust, we humans look to the stars. Or something like that.
3. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by laejoh · 2011-08-09 07:43 · Score: 1
  
  That's why the people were saying "That's no moon" when they saw the flares!
4. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by Bardwick · 2011-08-09 07:45 · Score: 1
  
  I feel for the citizens in London. The are desperately awaiting the baseball bats they ordered from Amazon (not kidding), it's the only means they have to defend themselves..
5. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-09 08:20 · Score: 1
  
  Yep. I got caught in the middle of it in Lewisham, had to dodge a few rocks and got out by the skin of my teeth, and today, there was a stabbing right out the front of my place in Greenwich. I'm hearing of similar mallarky from friends around London.
  
  I wish I had a nice handgun or SMG this evening to protect my family. Unfortunately, only the thugs have such tools over here in the UK, and the police are too hamstrung to do a darn thing about it.
6. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by poena.dare · 2011-08-09 08:34 · Score: 2
  
  When Sol was asked its opinion about the US debt crisis, London riots, the Syrian crackdown, and worldwide market setbacks, it replied, "Pppppbbbbbbbbbbtttttttt! ... Crap, missed again!"
7. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by Talderas · 2011-08-09 08:37 · Score: 1
  
  The DOW gained 400 pts today. It's only down 200 from opening yesterday.
  
  --
  "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
8. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by maxwell+demon · 2011-08-09 08:49 · Score: 1
  
  At the same time, London is trying to deal with the worst riots in a couple of decades, Syria is launching tank attacks at it's population,
  Yeah, that sun flare radiation makes aggressive.
  
  Wall Street is in free fall
  Those sun flares make the brokers nervous.
  
  --
  The Tao of math: The numbers you can count are not the real numbers.
9. Re:The moon never pulls shit like this. by celle · 2011-08-09 13:20 · Score: 1
  
  "...It's only down 200 from opening yesterday."
  It's only down 700 points from opening Thursday.
  Fixed that for you.
Sun? by the_humeister · 2011-08-09 07:27 · Score: 3, Funny

Since Oracle bought Sun, perhaps the title should be "Oracle Unleashes Most Powerful Flare Since 2006." Damn you Oracle!!!!
1. Re:Sun? by jones_supa · 2011-08-09 21:06 · Score: 1
  
  Some brochure could read "Improve your business with the powerful Sun X-Class Flare(R) server systems..."
  It does sound professional. :)
We need to do more preparations by JoshuaZ · 2011-08-09 07:34 · Score: 1

We need to do more preparations for serious solar flares coming directly at Earth. Electronics are a lot more common now than they used to be. We're somewhat lucky in that we haven't had any really awful flares since the 19th century where some of them were bad enough to actually damage telegraph systems. Now electronics are far more ubiquitous and use much less power so are potentially far more easily damaged. A serious flare could do severe damage to the power grid as well as disable or destroy a lot of satellites we use for regular behavior like communication and GPS. Luckily the GPS sats are mil spec so they are pretty hardened (primarily due to the threat of atmospheric nuke detonations). On the ground we absolutely need to improve our electric grid. If a lot of it collapses it could be very not pretty. Even critical infrastructure like hospitals don't have generators that can run for more than a few days. Unfortunately, utility companies have no incentive to prepare because the events are rare and they won't be held liable if things get really bad. We need more direct regulation mandating that the grid be stable and redundant. If the grid collapses at a really bad time (say in the middle of the summer in a very hot area) a lot of people could die.
We also need to get better at actually predicting flares before they happen so we can brace for a really bad one. This means more solar observation.Given where science funding is right now, and space funding in general, this is unlikely to happen soon.
1. Re:We need to do more preparations by vlm · 2011-08-09 08:12 · Score: 1
  
  Unfortunately, utility companies have no incentive to prepare because the events are rare and they won't be held liable if things get really bad.
  And any individual utility will be brutally punished by the market investors unless all the utilities increase preparations in concert. Don't worry, strong govt regulation will require that... oh wait.
  Seriously though, unlike an EMP, you generally get a lot of warning and the flares generally don't last long. Even if you get caught, unlike EMP they ramp up slowly enough to make a controlled shutdown possible. If you get a truly amazing flare, you just shut down the grid and initiate full black start capability testing. Since the nations power EEs and the utilities PHBs have around six human generations experience at pencil whipping the tests and reports for black start capability, you'll probably have massive problems actually trying to do it. But its "not too big of a deal" compared to other catastrophes.
  Standard /. car analogy is "black start" for a power plant is like battery starting a car instead of jump starting a car. Its basically never done. Coal and nuke plants literally cannot be black started, as far as I know, unless you cheat and park a diesel electric locomotive onsite, or a nuke sub just off shore with a long extension cord. Even hydro usually can't be controlled without hydraulic power.
  
  --
  "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
2. Re:We need to do more preparations by Agent.Nihilist · 2011-08-09 09:33 · Score: 1
  
  I did not realize that 8 minutes was a long time to prepare for a full grid shutdown.
3. Re:We need to do more preparations by Zenaku · 2011-08-09 09:53 · Score: 2
  
  8 minutes is how long it takes *light* from the sun to reach us. A solar flare takes considerably longer, on the order of a couple days.
  Think about it. If the flare itself traveled at the speed of light, we wouldn't even know it had happened until it hit us.
  
  --
  If fate makes you a motorcycle, you become a motorcycle.
4. Re:We need to do more preparations by woolpert · 2011-08-09 10:03 · Score: 1
  
  Luckily the GPS sats are mil spec so they are pretty hardened (primarily due to the threat of atmospheric nuke detonations).
  The GPS birds are 12,645 miles up. From that distance the difference between an atmospheric detonation and a surface one is just about nil.
  I can't comment on the rest of your post, but if it is as poorly backed as that comment your fears are largely unwarranted.
5. Re:We need to do more preparations by Anonymous Coward · 2011-08-09 10:24 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  That is why there are plants, most of them hydro, that exist for these reasons. http://wiki.colby.edu/display/es398b/History+of+Harris is one reference to this ability. Harris station comes online, feeding the new england grid, allowing the nukes and oil burners to come back online.
  As a side note, the plants don't have to go down. They DO have to disconnect from those hundred mile long antennas they have attached to their sub stations.
  I've got more to say, but posting without an account, I doubt I'll be modded high enough to make it matter.
6. Re:We need to do more preparations by JoshuaZ · 2011-08-09 10:56 · Score: 1
  
  No, that's just due to me being stupid in writing. Substitute "space" for atmospheric. The whole issue is the EMP from space based nukes. And er yeah, obviously I need to use preview a hell of a lot more.
7. Re:We need to do more preparations by woolpert · 2011-08-09 12:57 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe LEO, but the distance between any two birds in an orbit that high necessitates either one hell of a big bomb or so many nukes one might as well do a direct hit and invalidate the whole shielding bit.
  I am unaware of any unique shielding on the GPS birds and can't fathom a viable threat against them. Perhaps there is something in the literature I've missed. I'll ask at work tomorrow.
8. Re:We need to do more preparations by woolpert · 2011-08-09 14:03 · Score: 1
  
  *viable threat of that sort
9. Re:We need to do more preparations by Ironchew · 2011-08-09 16:16 · Score: 1
  
  Fortunately, charged particles (the stuff you worry about in a solar flare) travel slower than the speed of light.
So? by drobety · 2011-08-09 07:41 · Score: 1

Wiy shogld I be wnrried about tris one solar flarw?
1. Re:So? by nitehawk214 · 2011-08-09 08:03 · Score: 1
  
  Because it will ~~NO CARRIER
  
  --
  I'm a good cook. I'm a fantastic eater. - Steven Brust
SEE? by SmurfButcher+Bob · 2011-08-09 07:41 · Score: 4, Funny

And if we don't stop global warming NOW, those flares will only get worse!

--

help me i've cloned myself and can't remember which one I am
1. Re:SEE? by Dunbal · 2011-08-09 08:24 · Score: 1
  
  Heh, it's not like this hasn't been tried. All you have to do is look up your local religious organization - "send us your money and God will stop doing bad things to you".
  
  --
  Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
2. Re:SEE? by RivenAleem · 2011-08-11 03:52 · Score: 1
  
  We need to set up lots more Solar panels to try soak up as much energy as possible, to prevent further flares.
yeah but by nimbius · 2011-08-09 07:41 · Score: 4, Funny

is flare going to be covered by my Oracle service contract?

--
Good people go to bed earlier.
1. Re:yeah but by baegucb · 2011-08-09 12:03 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  Eventually. But first Oracle will call back 3 times, confirming your address and phone number. That way they get to reset the clock on response time, and give to their execs a report saying they meet response times per SLAs.
2. Re:yeah but by gmhowell · 2011-08-09 13:18 · Score: 1, Offtopic
  
  Only if you have a Flare maintenance contract fuer 999$ per CPU.
  Knowing Oracle, the charge will be per BTU.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
is this? by Charliemopps · 2011-08-09 07:44 · Score: 1

Is this what set Obama's Vineyard on fire?
BOFH Excuse of the Day by kelemvor4 · 2011-08-09 08:04 · Score: 1

B.O.F.H. Excuse of the day: Solar Flares.
Re:THE Sun, not Sun, SOLAR Flare, not Flare by hamburgler007 · 2011-08-09 08:05 · Score: 2

Honest journalism.
Re:THE Sun, not Sun, SOLAR Flare, not Flare by Cryacin · 2011-08-09 08:21 · Score: 1

Read Page 3

--
Science advances one funeral at a time- Max Planck
Re:THE Sun, not Sun, SOLAR Flare, not Flare by Talderas · 2011-08-09 08:39 · Score: 1, Funny

Unfortunately you need 31 pieces of flair.
However if you would like to experience the purifying flames of 31 flares I believe we can work that out. Good luck on experiencing all 31.

--
"Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
Hmmm by geekoid · 2011-08-09 08:40 · Score: 1, Insightful

/. poster claim there aren't enough science stories.
Wild science story appear
slahdotters post the same damn Oracle joke.
Derp?

--
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
That's OK! by Jeremiah+Cornelius · 2011-08-09 11:20 · Score: 2

I preferred the flares in 1976!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3462746684_6b04b2b493_b.jpg

--
"Flyin' in just a sweet place,
Never been known to fail..."
1. Re:That's OK! by damaki · 2011-08-09 19:36 · Score: 1
  
  Members of the ministry of silly walks, we've recognized you.
  
  --
  Stupidity is the root of all evil.
do know how coal get's to the plan? by Joe_Dragon · 2011-08-09 11:43 · Score: 1

with diesel electric locomotives!
Other wrong headlines by billstewart · 2011-08-09 11:47 · Score: 1

That goes along with the recent /. story about how Mozilla's Nightingale is why Firefox Still Matters.

--

Bill Stewart
New Fast-Compression-only CPR http://preview.tinyurl.com/dy575ks
1. Re:Other wrong headlines by RoFLKOPTr · 2011-08-13 11:01 · Score: 1
  
  That goes along with the recent /. story about how Mozilla's Nightingale is why Firefox Still Matters.
  You seriously had me confused for a minute. "How does a story about Mozilla's product named 'Nightingale' have anything to do with this conversation?"
Solar flare of 1859 was deadly by GPS+Pilot · 2011-08-09 11:47 · Score: 3, Interesting

Our sensitive microelectronics is very vulnerable to being wrecked by electromagnetic pulses, whether natural or set off by human enemies.
Regarding the huge "Carrington Event" solar flare of September 1, 1859, NASA reports that "Spark discharges shocked telegraph operators and set the telegraph paper on fire." The Engineer goes further and says, "The Carrington Storm caused fires and electrocuted workers at telegraph stations".

--
That that is is that that that that is not is not.
Wrong flare by mjwx · 2011-08-09 15:24 · Score: 1

When I first read the headline, my thought was "Wow, I didn't know Sun even had a server line called Flare".
And I didn't know flares were back in fashion.

--
Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
Mama mia, what a spicy flare... by SpaceCracker · 2011-08-09 21:11 · Score: 1

I didn't know the Java 7 r1 bug/flare was that powerful...

--
sigo ergo sum