Sunstorms II

Much like the word "octopi", however etymologically incorrect the Apostropher comments that it may be, I like writing the word "ejecta". It's one of those words that you know what it means graphically the first time you're exposed to it.

Anyway, while we're still getting pummeled, apparently the worst has passed from the big solar flare and subsequent proton storm that smacked us silly today.

This explosion hurled a ‘coronal mass ejection’ (CME) almost directly toward Earth, which could trigger bright aurorae when the material reaches us in about a day. The Earth was immediately affected by intense X-ray radiation, which ionised the upper layers of the atmosphere, causing serious disruption to radio communications.

The high-energy particles that followed (called a 'proton storm') could upset satellites by interfering with their electronics systems and damaging exposed components. During these storms, astronauts are advised to reduce exposure, particularly during spacewalks.

Our atmosphere protects people on the Earth, but passengers and crews on commercial jets at high latitudes could receive exposure equivalent to a normal medical chest X-ray.

Cool telescopic photos of the flare and storm here, here and here.

UPDATE 12/11/03:

30 Great Sunstorm Photographs here. Gotta say I like the first one.