[SixClub] A s t r o A l e r t for Sun-Earth Interactions

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This  Is SKY & TELESCOPE's AstroAlert for Sun-Earth  Interactions
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A s t r o  A l e r t
Sun-Earth Alert

Solar Terrestrial Dispatch
http://www.spacew.com

16 January  2005

STRONG SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY PROMPTS AURORA WARNINGS AND  WATCHES

Active sunspot region 10720 (see our previous  AstroAlert) continues to
produce energetic solar flares. The latest (and thus  far, the most
significant event) was a major class X2.6 event at 23:02 UTC on  15 January.
This event was associated with a very fast coronal mass ejection.  Although
most of the mass appears to have been ejected well north of the  Earth, there
is a definite Earthward-directed component visible in SOHO LASCO  imagery.
Although an analysis of this event is still underway, it is probable  that
this event will impact the Earth sometime on 17 or 18 January, serving  to
prolong levels of disturbed space weather conditions and auroral  activity.

Yesterday's major class M8.6 solar flare is  expected to impact the
Earth during the mid to late UTC hours of 16 January  (within the next 24
hours) and has the potential to produce moderate to  strong levels of auroral
activity across the middle and perhaps even the  lower latitude regions late
on 16 and into 17 January (UTC time). For North  American observers, the best
opportunity to observe activity will probably be  during the evening hours on
16 January (Sunday night).

Observers are encouraged to watch the skies over the next 3 to 5  nights
for additional potentially strong pulses of northern lights activity.  Region
10720 is expected to produce additional strong solar flares during  this time.


** End of Astroalert  **
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