CCoronal Mass Ejection Aug 2, 2010: Implications for Earthbound Folks?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of the coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on August 2, 2010, particularly its effects on Earth and space travel. Participants explore the significance of this event in relation to solar activity, potential impacts on technology, and the experience of auroras resulting from the CME.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the actual danger posed by the CME, suggesting it may be more of a sensational topic than a serious threat to Earth or technology.
  • Another participant highlights the potential risks for space travelers, noting that NASA considers solar activity when planning missions to Mars and the Moon.
  • A participant inquires about the timing of the CME's effects on Earth.
  • It is noted that the CME had already impacted Earth on August 1, resulting in auroras visible in various locations, including Michigan.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the CME, with some downplaying its potential dangers while others emphasize the risks to space missions. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the overall impact of the event.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and observations, but there are no detailed discussions of the underlying scientific mechanisms or specific predictions regarding technological impacts.

diogenesNY
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Well, the title kinda describes it... as of Aug 2, 2010.

http://nasawatch.com/archives/2010/08/coronal-mass-ej.html

Notwithstanding fun, sensationalist, doomsday stories, what, if any, are the bread and butter implications to us earthbound folks? How about any issues with the space station and its inhabitants?

The video is pretty cool and dramatic, but I suspect that (notwithstanding the 2012 crowd) it is something that is more 'flashy' than dangerous, ...dramatic tho it is. Makes for some darn cool entertainment though. The natural universe: even cooler than the stuff you see on TV :)

Seriously, how significant is this? Is this in the realm of sunspots, or is this something more traumatic and rare for our old pal Sol? Just a fun triviality or will this seriously affect radio/electronic usage? (I suspect not from what I have read, but I await more informed views).

--diogenesNY
 
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A CME could be a serious problem for space travelers. It is a real headache for NASA in planning any mission to mars. Even the moon missions were planned in part based on solar activity. Not so much a problem for stuff in Earth orbits. They are relatively slow moving and detectable in time to shut down satellites and return shuttles to earth.
 
Any updates on when they will be hitting us?
 


It hit on the First of August...

Lotta pretty lights in the sky if you were in the right place (apparently as far south as Michigan). According to the linked article (have a look, it has plenty of details) it was a class C3 eruption, not too big, mostly pretty lights.

have a look:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7926176/Solar-storm-hitting-Earth-causes-spectacular-aurora-displays.html

diogenesNY
 
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