Very active sun spot causes numerous solar flares which could impact Earth

Space watchers are taking a keen interest in the sun’s actions over the last 24 hours.

A sun spot, or a temporary, dark, cooler region on the Sun’s surface, has been very active producing solar flares Sunday, February 1, into Monday the 2nd.

Solar flares are eruptions on the sun, usually from sun spots, that eject plasma out into space. If directed earthward, they usually cause a magnetic storm in our atmosphere causing northern lights.

Solar flares are rated for strength with the letters A B C M and X with each letter being 10 times greater than the previous.

It takes an M or X class flare to send enough charged particles to cause the northern lights.

Generally, sunspots become active, producing one to four solar flares in a grouping, however the latest sunspot has created an unprecedented 17 M class flares and 4 X class flares, with one of them being the 3rd largest in this solar cycle of sun spots which lasts 11 years.

Space scientist are still determining if these flares have been earth directed, with initial thinking is while not directly aimed at earth, the energy will at least glance the earths atmosphere. The significance with such a prolonged time of solar ejections is, if these flares are going to interact with the earth, it could mean an aurora storm that could last over 24 hours.

Stay tuned to KFIZ.com for updated information that comes in regarding this possible aurora activity.