[MFDXA] What's wrong with this Sunspot?
JACK
73 & Gud DX
K4WSB /C6A VP2MSB
#1 DXCC 340/357
THE CME HAS ARRIVED: As predicted, a CME struck Earth's magnetic field on Nov. 7th (0517 UTC). The impact sets the stage for minor (G1) to strong (G3) geomagnetic storms in the hours ahead, with a chance of mid-latitude auroras. Another CME is expected to deliver a glancing blow on Nov. 8th, potentially extending the light show. Aurora alerts: SMS Text.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS SUNSPOT? Answer: It has a twisted magnetic field. Active sunspot 4274 is emitting almost-daily CMEs and strong solar flares. The reason why may be found in this magnetic map from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory:
Note the distribution of pluses (+) and minuses (-). These are the sunspot's magnetic poles, and they are arranged in an unusual way.
According to Hale's Law, the sunspot's magnetic poles should be oriented -/+, that is, negative (-) on the left and positive (+) on the right. Instead, they are twisted 90 degrees; positive (+) is on top and negative (-) is on the bottom. Sunspot 4274 is breaking the law.
The twisted magnetic roots of this sunspot are torqued and full of tension. Strong flares are how it tries to relax. NOAA forecasters say there is an 80% chance of M-class solar flares and a 35% chance of powerful X-flares on Nov. 7th. Solar flare alerts: SMS Text.
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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