Over the weekend the sunspot region on the surface of the Sun called AR3765-3767 (the AR refers to it being an active region) produced a number of M class flares. These then hurled a series of CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections) towards the Earth. There could be as many as 4 or 5 CMEs heading towards us,
The first two CMEs are going to merge into what astronomers call a Cannibal CME. This happens when a faster travelling CME catches up with a slower moving one ahead of it.
The CMEs are powerfully charged pulses of magnetic energy. When the cannibal CME hits the Earth’s protective magnetic field it will disrupt it allowing the following 2 or 3 CME’s to cause what we refer to as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. This can cause radio black outs and disruption to IT equipment.
If it is clear on the nights of Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st July look to the north there could be some displays of the Northern Lights.
As this blog goes out there is some breaking news that indicates that this sunspot region AR 3765-3767 could be more sending more flares our way later this week. If anything else develops I will keep you posted.
www.theramblingastronomer.co.uk
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