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Sunspot Tosses Plasma Cloud Toward Earth

Posted by Soulskill on from the how-inconsiderate dept.

parallel_prankster writes "The Washington Post reports that a huge sunspot unleashed a blob of charged plasma Thursday that space weather watchers predict will blast past the Earth on Sunday. Satellite operators and power companies are keeping a close eye on the incoming cloud, which could distort the Earth's magnetic field and disrupt radio communications, especially at higher latitudes. The huge blob of charged gas spotted by NASA satellites is speeding toward Earth at more than 2 million mph. The most damaging solar discharges, which are very rare, can move at speeds more than twice that fast. Here's a more detailed article with some animation."

9 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. Anonymous Coward releases huge first post by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Anonymous Coward releases huge first post towards slashdot discussion.

  2. Could this cut off Facebook access? by akeeneye · · Score: 5, Funny

    Oh the humanity!

    --
    The man who dies rich dies disgraced. -- Andrew Carnegie
    1. Re:Could this cut off Facebook access? by RenderSeven · · Score: 3, Funny

      It will just cut off any useful Facebook access. Oh, wait... never mind.

    2. Re:Could this cut off Facebook access? by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 4, Funny

      I've thought long and hard about my flamebait moderation and I was just like to stop and apologize for implying that posting on Slashdot in the middle of a work day is as much of a waste of time as Facebook. I never meant any harm and I hope we can put this behind us.

      Now let's return to our discussion about how much Facebook sucks in this story about a plasma storm.

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  3. Re:Mayan Calendar by darkpixel2k · · Score: 4, Funny

    Coincidence? Or does this remind you of a scheduled event per the Mayan Calendar anyone?

    Hmm...let me check my Mayan calendar...

    ...hmm...Thursday I have that office party....and next Sunday is your mother's birthday....

    uh...nope--no scheduled giant plasma cloud.

    --
    There's no place like ::1 (I've completed my transition to IPv6)
  4. Shinku... by PlatyPaul · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hadoken!

    --
    Misery loves company. Online misery loves unsuspecting random strangers.
  5. AAAARHHHH by j35ter · · Score: 3, Funny

    We're all gonna die!!!!
    *runs to the nearest adult store for shelter*

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    Delta-Mike November Bravo Tango
  6. Re:A question: by M0j0_j0j0 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Tin foil hat should be enough

  7. I direct your attention to the Absorption Map by GodfatherofSoul · · Score: 3, Funny

    Clearly, Jesus does not like South America, and by implication the pagan parade of sin and debauchery that is Carnivale. Repent!

    Pat Robertson

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    I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!