Pic Today 3/1/11

OUR SUN IS GETTING RESTLESS

Recent sun flares have been getting bigger lately.

Late last week, a massive one erupted

and lasted 90 minutes (most unusual.)

Fortunately for us, the solar flare was aimed

in an opposite direction from the Earth.

And so we didn't feel the consequences,

which can include disruption of radio transmissions,

failed satellite communications and electrical interference.

The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory tracks

sun spots and solar flares as they have significant

impact on atmospheric and electrical conditions.

As we get closer to 2012, when the sun is due to

reverse its magnetic poles (every 11 years),

solar flares grow with intensity.

This photo captures last week's massive flare

which reached 300,000 miles beyond the sun's surface.

Swirling and twisting masses of erupting plasma

are seen blowing into space -- some returning to the surface,

and some escaping in tremendous explosions.

(Those of us in northern parts of the globe

are witnessing dramatic Northern Lights, aurora borealis.)

Photo: Courtesy of NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory