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Solar storm incoming: Federal agencies provide inconsistent, confusing information
Update, 9:53 p.m.: NASA has responded to questions about its forecast and differences with NOAA. Scroll down to the bottom of this post. Meanwhile, NOAA has produced an excellent video about this event - click here to view.
From 12:31 p.m.: A wave of plasma stoked by an X-class solar flare, the most intense type, is headed towards Earth. This blast of charged particles, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), is forecast to ignite a geomagnetic storm on Earth over the weekend. NOAA predicts it will be minor, maybe moderate. NASA says it will be moderate to severe.
I ask: which intensity will it be and why aren’t these two science agencies on the same page?
The intensity of the inbound CME matters.
If NOAA’s right, and the ensuing geomagnetic storm is minor, it’s no big deal. It means the high latitudes could be treated to some brilliant auroras over the weekend with few, if any, negative effects on earth-orbiting satellites or the power grid.
On the other hand, if NASA’s right, and the geomagnetic storm is strong to severe, Earth-orbiting satellites could get disoriented and the electrical grid,according to NOAA, could experience “widespread voltage control problems” among other issues. Aurora could be seen as far south as Alabama and northern California.
Menderman
July 14th, 2012
It was strong enough to make listening to Rush almost impossible! I call that severe!
Bob M.
July 14th, 2012
Solar storms ONLY matter, if they disrupt Der Kommissar’s golf game.
Besides, if it’s REALLY serious, he can ALWAYS blame BOOOOOSH – for not buying enough Solyndra solar panels to “absorb” it.
jethro
July 14th, 2012
Hansen, a nasa scientist, said global warming would kill us by now. I dont believe nasa about anything.
Racist
July 14th, 2012
Doggonit Cardigan, why’d you have to go and post this? I just waved goodbye to my wife and two youngest kids for a week. NOTHING in the world makes me more paranoid and nervous than for my kids to be phsyically out of my reach. I have just gotten to where I genuinely do just calm down and trust God to keep them safe (instead of saying I do but then worrying constantly)… It’s bad enough that they’re at the beach, and the one thing in the world I have a real phobia of is sharks! But I’ve prayed that through and I know they’ll be ok. The other thing that makes me nervous, is electrical storms! Thanks for the ulcer!!! I’ll probably be driving down to get my kids back from their Mema and Mom, if this thing starts getting scary!
Dr. Tar
July 14th, 2012
Note to Self: Check the night sky for an Auruora tonight. Looks like I’ll luck out and have a clear night too. And if I’m really luck the power grid won’t collapse and send us back to the stone age.
Tony R
July 14th, 2012
Well at least these two esteemed scientific agencies are in agreement that global warming is man-caused. This conclusion reached by executive order.
kvn
July 14th, 2012
Aren’t you ashamed by what your SUV made the sun do?
Nutjob
July 14th, 2012
Hopefully when Wookies facing east on her prayer rug her ass will absorb the brunt of it.
moarkdave
July 14th, 2012
These agencies can not be on the same page. We need double the employees to do the job twice at different agencies to justify their positions.