Look Skyward: Solar Storms

X 5.4 class solar flare, top left, 6 March. Image Source: SDO/NASA via Space.com.

On March 6, the Sun had its strongest storms since 2006, in fact two X class storms (X class storms are the strongest possible solar eruptions), which are likely to cause auroras quite far south across the planet this evening. According to Space.com, the Coronal Mass Ejection "reached Earth this morning at about 5:45 a.m. EST (1045 GMT)." The impact of solar radiation hitting the earth over the next few hours may also disrupt spacecraft and electronic systems. This is the start of a more active period for the Sun, which has been loosely linked in the popular media with the 2012 phenomenon.

Nostradamus on solar weather. Image Source: Before It's News.

Citing such legendary figures as Nostradamus, some believe that solar storms spark extreme weather and even earthquakes, although that is dismissed by scientific commentators. Others feel that the magnetic waves affect their moods, which is another disputed claim. The metaphorical mix of advanced science, high tech, and Renaissance mysticism, mythology and astrology is a classic example of Millennialism. Either way, with a Full Moon tonight, the heavens are sending us lots of celestial messages.  Look north tonight, and you may see the Northern Lights. Reports: here, here and here.