NEW ALERT WARNING:

Issued: 2013 Mar 15 1319 UTC:Product: documentation at http://www.sidc.be/products/presto #--------------------------------------------------------------------## FAST WARNING 'PRESTO' MESSAGE from the SIDC (RWC-Belgium) ##

COMMENT: Solar activity featured one M1.2 flare originating from NOAA1692 on March 15th 07:00 UT. Activity is expected to remain eruptive forthe next 24 hours.A full halo CME was detected by SOHO LASCO C2 on Friday, March 15th at07:12 UT which was a result of the above mentioned M1.2 flare. This CMEhas an angular width of almost 360 degrees and an estimated speed of 710km/s. Estimated arrival on Earth is Monday, March 18th around 13:00 UT.Solar wind speed has increased to around 450 km/s and interplanetarymagnetic field Bz component is around 5 nT.Geomagnetic conditions were quiet to moderate, but is expected toincrease to active or storm conditions this evening with the arrival ofthe CME seen in SOHO LASCO C2 Tuesday, March 12th at 11:00 UT.

A full halo CME was detected by SOHO LASCO C2 on Friday, March 15th at07:12 UT which was a result of the above mentioned M1.2 flare. This CMEhas an angular width of almost 360 degrees and an estimated speed of 710km/s. Estimated arrival on Earth is Monday, March 18th around 13:00 UT.#--------------------------------------------------------------------

## Solar Influences Data analysis Center - RWC Belgium ## Royal Observatory of Belgium ## Fax : 32 (0) 2 373 0 224 ## Tel.: 32 (0) 2 373 0 491 #

anyone want to translate for us laymen?

Solar flare ....bad.

Well...I'll make it easy:
Every 11 and 14 years the Sun goes through a cycle of increased activity. We are entering the maximum of both cycles; a fairly rare event is discussed mathematically.
A solar EMP occurs from time to time, its called a CME. A degree or if you will a percentage of the ejection occurs when it happens facing Earth. 360 degrees of the face of the Sun equates to 100% of the solar face experiencing the event.
The Alert above informs you of an incoming CME of a full facing Earth event.
The degree of the flare and more importantly the speed of such infunces the effect we may feel. This is a big flare but slow.
Google Carrington Event, CME and EMP. You'll find the possible effects.
Is the above incident of concern? No, not really. Unless you are a radio operator or really enjoy the Northern Lights.
The significance of the event is that it is evident of the increase of Solar activity and the possible consequences.
Its realistically and statistically the greatest threat from nature our world is facing.

Bringer and Destroyer of life; the Sun.

Cheers

Sens

thank you for the info Sensretractor, I do understand the consequences and the basics of a CME, my problem is knowing when to ensure that all your equipment is locked up in a Faraday Cage so that it does no damage to anything and knowing when it will hit will be beneficial which i see you have provided.

Good Post.

This Alert gives about 3 days notice.
They are reporting M Class flares. The X Class is the next highest. These are destructive. They are at the level that took out the Quebec grid previously.
I was in the Canadian Military during the subsequent blackout years later. India, Pakistan; others have been hit recently.
I have a fellow Fire Fighter that is working for Hydro. They are aware of the X threat but have not been afforded the components to prepare the grid. Its common knowledge for these professionals; the threat and lack of preparations. Their employers have a "preparedness plan" policy that advises the employees of this eventuality.
You should have a plan too.

See:
http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=1881&p=38161&hilit=solar+conditions#p38161
for current solar conditions.