Folks, today the Sun blew up like Jano from Michalovce leaving a pub after ten shots of juniper brandy! 🔥 A brutal X1.95 solar flare (R3-strong) peaked today at 18:09 UTC and originated from sunspot group 4341. ☀️ This bunch of sunspots is currently sitting right in the center of the solar disk, which is facing Earth. Now that was a surprise, let's be honest! 😱
During the eruption, a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) was launched and we have ZERO doubt that it is heading directly at our dear Earth! 🌍 We can clearly see a "halo" structure as the CME expands away from the Sun. We must admit, though, that the main bulk of the ejected material is heading east, but that clear "halo" structure confirms there is an Earth-directed component. 👀 The plasma cloud will very likely hit our planet. 💨
At the time of writing this mega article, no official forecasts had been issued yet, but I expect that in the coming hours a warning for a strong G3 geomagnetic storm will be released. 🌩️ But let me tell you, my dear ones, based on the available coronagraph images, we should not rule out even a "brutal G4 geomagnetic storm" label — that would be a party like at an eastern Slovak wedding! 🎉
On top of all this, we also have a solar wind stream from a coronal hole in play, because one huge coronal hole is currently pointing right at us. 🕳️ How this will affect the CME on its way to our planet is still unclear, but expect geomagnetic activity in the coming days like parliamentary debates on a vote of confidence in the government! 🤪 Maximum excitement! 🚀
A transequatorial coronal hole is facing Earth. 🌞 Enhanced solar wind could arrive in approximately 3 days. Watch live at https://ziara.sk 🔭
And what does this mean for us in Slovakia? Well, possibly the most epic aurora of the decade, folks! 💚 If you're planning to celebrate or have a barbecue in the coming days, bring a camera and look north! You might see such a light show that your glasses and jaw will drop! 📸
Our Slovak hills and mountain chalets can be the perfect spot for watching! 🏔️ Just don't forget to bring something warm to wear and something warm to drink (juniper brandy ftw)! 🥃
I'm already packing my telescope, a bottle, and heading out into the field! 😎 I'll be throwing updates at you like a grandma tossing garbage out the window, so follow ziara.sk and keep your fingers crossed for me that it works out! 🤞
Your Astronomer Cassandra ✨
