Sun Storm Forecast: Tiny Chance of Havoc
By: Chelsea Olson
Sunspots on the sun are the source for the bursts of light that can have giant storms that are sent off throughout space. A solar flare could arrive at Earth in less than 8.5 minutes after leaving the surface of the sun. Also, according to researchers, the two hemispheres of the sun are not equal with each other, which means that the north hemisphere is ahead of sun spots whereas the south side is fairly quiet and not very blemished with sun spots. Although, scientists expect the south hemisphere to perk up to a maximum of sun spots by the fall. Lastly, even though we don't know if a solar flare would hit the earth, there is always a chance that one could happen.
Themes of Nature of Science:
1. Science is based on evidence: There is evidence that solar flares have hit the earth's surface in the past.
2. Role of chance: There is always a chance that Earth will get hit by a solar flare, but there is also a chance that we might not.
3. Role of motivation and curiosity: Reseachers are curious about this topic to learn more about it and find out information.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/science/space/on-the-watch-for-a-solar-storm.html?ref=science&_r=0
Wow, what an intriguing article! It's kind of scary to think that a solar flare could strike at anytime. Like it stated in the article , the one in 1859 was fairly bad adn I wonder what would happen if it struck again during our time. With all the new technology of our day we may be able to detect the solar flare before it hits Earth, as the scientists predicted, but I beleive the damage it would cause would be enormous. I would also like to add the theme Science is Collaborative as many scientists worked together on this and used data from multiple studies.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what would happen if a solar flare were to hit earth becuase it sounds a little freightening. I looked up the effects and found that the biggest impact would be on technology, such as sattelites, GPS and general power. Since our lives are greatly controlled by technology, I assume it would be a major disruptance. This site also said that a flare would not be visible to us, although it could produce a more northern lights than normal.
ReplyDelete-Rachel Nelson Hour 1
This is the site I used: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/business-tech/science/120124/what-is-solar-flare-how-will-it-affect-earth
During large solar storms like the one in 1859 the northern lights can be seen from as far south as Mexico. The earths magnetic field prevents damage from everyday particles coming from the sun, but the magnetic field is nowhere near strong enough to protect against solar storms.
ReplyDeleteFurther reading:
http://www.first-class-dirt-cheap-vacation.com/can-you-see-northern-lights.html#.UU6YO1ddDPM
http://www.windows2universe.org/glossary/plasmaspheric_gain.html
Ever since I've watched all of the end of the world movies such as 2012 and Knowing, I developed a slight fear for solar flares. In my vision, I imagine a solar flare setting mountains and basically just the entire world on fire like in the movies. This article really got me thinking, because I've never realized that a solar flare towards earth could ruin so much. Its not mountains going up in flames, its our communication, navigation, and electrical systems getting destroyed.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2290289/NASA-warns-unexpected-happening-Sun-year-supposed-peak-sunspot-cycle.html
I found this article which both interests me and scares me at the same time. NASA states that the sun is supposed to reach its 'solar maximum' right about now in 2013, but the sun's solar activity is surprisingly low. Finally, Solar physicist Dean Pesnell of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center says that images show that the sun's activity is low because it's actually at a double peak. It will keep getting higher and lower for about two more years. Which basically sums up the statement that earth should be more prepared in case of an upcoming tragedy caused by the sun.