Hi all, KN4LF who runs an MF propagation site, forecasts the posibility of
an X-Class flare from a huge cluster of sunspots designated #10069. It is
not yet "pointing at the Earth" so if it errupts soon any CME will pass us
by. However if it continues "winding its self up"as if moves across the face
of the sun, we could be in for a big one.
The Spaceweather site also has interesting information....
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Space Weather News for August 15, 2002
http://www.spaceweather.com
AURORAS: A coronal mass ejection that left the Sun on August 14th could
buffet Earth's magnetic field on August 15th or 16th. Sky watchers at
high latitudes (e.g., Canada, New Zealand and the northern tier of US
states) should be alert for auroras especially during the hours around
local midnight on Thursday and Friday.
AN ASTEROID: Asteroids are usually hard to see, but you can spot one this
weekend using only a small telescope or good binoculars. The unusualy
bright space rock, 2002 NY40, will glide by Earth on August 17th and 18th
only a little farther from our planet than the Moon. (There's no danger of
a collision.) Visit spaceweather.com for links to sky maps and observing
tips.
A SUNSPOT: Who said solar max is over? The Sun is once again peppered
with spots. The largest, active region 69, is truly impressive. It spans
an area seven times greater than the surface area of Earth and poses a
threat for powerful flares. The big spot is easy to see from Earth--but
never stare directly at the Sun! Instead, use safe solar projection
methods described at spaceweather.com.
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Cheers de Alan G3NYK
[email protected]
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