[MIham] Fw: First X-flare of the New Solar Cycle

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Feb. 15, 2011
http://spaceweather.com

MAJOR FLARE:  Earth-orbiting satellites have detected the strongest solar 
flare in more than four years.  At 0156 UT on Feb. 15th, giant sunspot 1158 
unleashed an X2-class eruption.  X-flares are the strongest type of x-ray 
flare, and this is the first such eruption of new Solar Cycle 24.  The 
explosion that produced the flare also sent a solar tsunami rippling through 
the sun's atmosphere and, more importantly, hurled a coronal mass ejection 
toward Earth. This raises the possibility of geomagnetic storms in the days 
ahead. Visit http://spaceweather.com for images and updates.