Sequences of STEREO satellite images of a solar tsunami blasting across the Sun’s million degree atmosphere. Solar tsunamis are launched by huge explosions near the Sun’s atmosphere, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These waves can travel at over a million kilometers per hour. The tsunami took place on 19th May 2007 and lasted for about 35 minutes, reaching peak speeds around 20 minutes after the initial blast. The observations were made by a team from Trinity College, Dublin. Solar tsunamis were observed before with the SOHO spacecraft, but this is the first time they have been observed in four different wavelengths corresponding to four different temperatures, enabling the team to see how the wave moved through the different layers of the solar atmosphere. This was possible because STEREO observes images at all four wavelengths at a much higher time cadence than SOHO.
Source: stockmarkettoday.in
Effects on Earth
"The solar tsunami is actually a phenomenon that has been observed on the sun -- and it rolls across the sun's surface," said Dr. Arik Posner with NASA.
Tons of plasma are blasting directly toward Earth at a million miles per hour. Their first wave is expected to arrive very early Wednesday morning.
It is expected to create a spectacular show for folks further north who may catch a glimpse dazzling waves of red and green lights.
While we won't see it there is a remote chance we could feel its effects. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there's a very slim chance it could affect power grids and satellites.
"Things like GPS -- I can't drive in these streets without it!" said Bryce Nielson.
NASA scientists downplay that threat, calling this nothing more than a mild solar storm that just happened to be directed right at Earth.
Source: wjla.com
