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Sun Explodes, Footage at 11

Posted 2011-06-14 9:50 PM (#2464)
Subject: Sun Explodes, Footage at 11

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Posts: 35

Read a couple of stories at Space.com, both about the sun. The first one shows a video of a volcano-like explosion on the surface of the sun that then comes crashing back down into the sun. Looks quite impressive.
http://www.space.com/11893-huge-sun-eruption-spectacular-solar-flar...

The second story concerns several recent studies that conclude the Sun's spots are becoming infrequent, only unusually so. There is some talk that we may be entering a second Maunder Minimum. "In fact, some scientists are questioning whether this drop in activity could lead to a second Maunder Minimum, which was a 70-year period from 1645 to 1715 when the sun showed virtually no sunspots." Whatever plans you had for the next few decades, you better update them.
http://www.space.com/11960-fading-sunspots-slower-solar-activity-so...

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Posted 2011-06-26 11:53 PM (#2478 - in reply to #2464)
Subject: RE: Sun Explodes, Footage at 11

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Wintermute, I finally got around to checking out these articles. The flare video is really awesome! Such an amazing display of power and energy. Surprising it does not affect us unduly.

The sunspots bit is a trip too. I remember when the spots disappeared a few years back. Apparently we have survived these minimums before so I won't be panicking just yet. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.