After years of quiet, the sun is coming alive with solar storms in a big way. The sun shot off a huge flare Thursday afternoon from a region that scientists say is the most active part of the sun since 2005.
Thursday's flare wasn't aimed at Earth. However, this active region is now slowly turning toward Earth, and scientists say it will be directly facing Earth in about five days. And it will face us for two weeks.
Odds of a direct hit by a large flare is still relatively small, but high enough to cause concern if you are wise enough to understand the potential damage that can be caused.
Moreover, the sun will grow increasingly active over the next two years, increasing the chances of a direct hit.
For those of you coming late to the party, a direct hit by a large flare can destroy the satellites, knocking out virtually all communications. It can also knock out the entire power grid of an entire hemisphere.
Just so ya know...
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