Very Nearly The Most Powerful CME/Solar Flare/Radio Bursting Event Recorded, Aimed At Earth -- Just Documented By NOAA...

Well, we did say this solar-max cycle would arrive early, and be intense. Both are true -- as of this morning.

Listen to NOAA/NCAR for the whole story, and see gif animation at lower center:

. . .An X2.8 flare (R3) occurred from Region 3514; located over the far NW area of the Sun. This is likely one of the largest solar radio events ever recorded. Radio communication interference with aircraft were reported by multiple NWS Center Weather Service Units (CWSU) co-located at FAA facilities. These impacts were felt from one end of the Nation to the other. Additionally, SWPC is analyzing a possible Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) associated with this flare. Continue to monitor our web page for the latest information and updates. . . .

Earlier today, the Sun popped off the largest #SolarFlare since September 2017. It’s certainly been a while since we’ve seen saturation like this in the SDO/AIA data. Unfortunately, this instrument wasn’t designed for large flares like this! #spaceweather pic.twitter.com/B7iU7OE3Vf

— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) December 14, 2023

Wow!

नमस्ते