[MFDXA] SIGNIFICANT X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE
JACK
73 & Gud DX
K4WSB /C6A VP2MSB
#1 DXCC 340/357
SOLAR PROTON STORM IN PROGRESS: Energetic protons from the sun are raining down on Earth. They were accelerated in our direction by yesterday's powerful X-class solar flare (described below). This is called a "solar proton storm," and currently it is category S2. Shortwave radios inside the Arctic Circle aren't working right now due to this storm, which is causing a polar cap absorption event.
SIGNIFICANT X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE: Sunspot 4341 erupted on Jan. 18th (1809 UTC), producing an X1.9-class solar flare. The explosion lasted for hours, which makes this flare even more powerful than than its "X1.9" rating would suggest. This video from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory says it all:
Radiation from the flare ionized Earth's atmosphere over the Americas, especially South America. This caused a shortwave radio blackout that may have lasted more than an hour at frequencies below 10 MHz.
Of greater interest is the CME. The explosion launched a full halo CME with a significant Earth-directed component. NASA models predict that it will reach Earth during the early hours of Jan. 20th. The impact could cause a strong G3-class geomagnetic storm with mid-latitude auroras. Stay tuned for updated forecast models. CME impact alerts: SMS Text
more images: from Eliot Herman of Tucson AZ; from Brian Colville of Cambray, ON Canada
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speed: 292.4 km/sec
density: 2.94 protons/cm3
more data: ACE, DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0333 UT
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6-hr max: M1 1119 UT Jan19
24-hr: X1 1809 UT Jan18
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 1535 UT
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Sunspot 4341 has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that poses a threat for X-class solar flares. Credit: NASA/SDO
Sunspot number: 140
What is the sunspot number?
Updated 19 Jan 2026
73,
Tony N2MFT, President
Mid Florida DX Association W4FDX
http://www.W4FDX.com/
DXCC/WAS/WAC/VUCC/IARU Card Checker and VE Coordinator
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