We're Having A Solar Storm!

[2naSalit]

Big flare!

My FM radio is really messed up with an echo and all kinds of weird stuff.

All the info and visuals at the NOAA link

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/space-weather-enthusiasts-dashboard

[2naSalit]

1. Also, anticipate...

Disruptions in other comms systems like the internet and anything utilizing satellites.

[SheltieLover]

5. TY, 2na!

Tonight is supposed to be a good night to see the Northern Lights!

[2naSalit]

6. Could be...

Might be somewhat diminished by the full moon light. If it clears up here, probably won't, I'll be out looking just to see. The eclipse is around moonrise here, I might miss it because it has to clear some mountains before I'll be able to see it.

[SheltieLover]

8. Sky is always hazy here

I am always amazed at the quantity of beautiful stars people in other locations get to enjoy. Always near 100% humidity here, sadly.

Enjoy!!!

[2naSalit]

10. Even though there were no clouds...

I couldn't see any stars for several nights due to wildfire smoke, we're kind of surrounded right now, but now it's raining and will probably be overcast until Thursday. But I'll be okay missing the sky show if the rain puts out the fires or makes them a lot smaller.

[SheltieLover]

19. Absolutely!

Most important to get those fires put out.

Stay safe!

[Tadpole Raisin]

16. In March 1989 there was a big solar flare and I was in

Maine and the Northern Lights that night was as incredible as the ones you see posted! (It was an X7 to an X15 depending on the source). It was shimmering and dancing green, pink, and blue as far as you could see. I was mesmerized! I don’t know what the intensity of tonight’s Aurora Borealis is expected to be.

I was looking at some biggies that were recorded - an X28 that kind of missed us in 2003 and it looks like the scale goes to 40 or 50 with the X scale being more intense than M scale (X1 is 10 times M1). Yowza!

I will never forget that night!!

[Tadpole Raisin]

12. I have been trying to listen to Nicolle Wallace and the darn show keeps repeating and

then I remembered your post. Maybe that’s what it is…

[2naSalit]

13. That's what usually happens...

To me when one of these things happens. Also, my legs start burning when the early particles arrive. I was out int the sun, bare legged, when an X class flare happened. (Several years ago) I got a sunburn but it felt really different, like I got microwaved, a weird burning sensation. Now, whenever there's a moderate to strong flare like this, my sunburned area feels like it's being microwaved... not a good feeling. And my ears ring.

It could just be me, I mean, I screw up clocks really bad if I'm around them for more than a few minutes. None of the clocks in my environment keep correct time.

[Tadpole Raisin]

17. Wow, are you sensitive! I used to be but not so much anymore and not like that!

I would feel weak (wipe out fatigue) if I got near a strong electromagnetic field, only realizing after the fact. But never burns or tingling!

Let’s just say I never mentioned this to any doctor. I didn’t need more weird looks.

But I did meet this woman who did some kind of energy work and without me saying anything (I wasn’t meeting her for that at all) she made a point of telling me she had never felt someone with such a strong field, it almost overwhelmed her.

Ok…..
What the heck does that even mean??

[2naSalit]

18. I have never been able to figure it out.

The closest I can get to anything reasonable is related to the iron in our blood, maybe. The tingling thing is weird, it's only the portion of my thigh tops that got sunburned that day about fifteen years ago. It's kind of a sunburn feeling but with another sensation that is a little disturbing like my flesh is cooked or something.

When an electromagnetic storm arrives, I feel it right there, no place else. They have always made my ears ring.

[2naSalit]

2. For those with...

Clear skies, could be some really good Aurora Borealis watching tonight and tomorrow, except for the full moon being really bright. Might not make a difference. I don't recall ever trying to see the lights during a full moon.

[usonian]

3. Shouldn't affect FM.

FM is basically point to point line of sight, with suppresion of amplitude changes. AM is a good weather indicator (lightning crashes) and bounces off the ionosphere at night. That's how distant stations show up at night.

Got to wonder about your radio!

Maybe the satellite link that feeds the station?

Satellites do get hammered by solar storms.

Hmmmmmm.

[2naSalit]

4. I'm thinking...

That it's because I receive the signal through repeaters across the state and likely satellite as well. It's how I'm reminded to check for solar weather, when the radio signal gets weird and internet is slow. As you say, generally FM wouldn't be affected, but this is Montana so...

[usonian]

14. Thanks, my Montana knowledge is about zero, sorry to say.

Except for the quarterback. 🏈

[2naSalit]

15. We;re...

Pretty spread out so the two NPR stations in the state, also covers parts of Wyoming, have a repeater system, most of the Rocky Mountain states use them, to carry the signal long distances with geographical obstructions, like tall, impassible mountains. They "bounce" the signal off satellites to the repeaters that continue the signal to the next receiver, they're all up on mountains. I can't go into the technical detail because I don't know them but that's what I do know and I could be wrong about some of it. So there.

[2naSalit]

11. And...

Of course, repeaters operate in concert with satellites.

[central scrutinizer]

7. Another good resource

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/planetary-k-index

[2naSalit]

9. Thanks...

Mostly the same info, different configuration. I like the layout better.