Sun Burps X-Class Solar Flare, First In 50 Months

Solar Cycle 24 was really quiet... Until the Sun decided it was time to spew out some high energy particles and a nice CME to go along with it. Sunspot group 1158 was the source of this X-class flare. X-class flares are the most powerful types. It was about 50 months ago since the last X-class was released. Solar flares and geomagnetic storms can cause many problems for electronic systems. We'll see if our satellites survive the onslaught of high energy particles. Our power grids are also at risk. We should be fine... MAYBE.

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/02/14/sunspot-group-1158-produces-and-x-class-solar-flare/

http://solar.nro.nao.ac.jp/norh/html/10mins/2011/02/15/movie.html