A couple of days ago the Sun let loose with a huge electrified cloud of charged particles that was aimed pretty directly at Earth. Disaster scenario? Well, not this time, although space weather experts were warning there could be some effects on telecommunications. The most obvious effect that we expected to see here on Earth would be aurora borealis displays.

The Sun’s surface is ever-busy, even when it seems quiescen

So, we were all set to go out and see aurorae last night. We kept bopping out to the yard and looking north because the auroral grid from the POES satellite was showing some activity visible just north of us. But, no luck. Wouldn’t you know it—the cloud program kicked in. Thus, hiding any auroral displays from our computer-weary eyes.

Turns out there may be another storm headed our way. Another solar flare belched out a cloud on the 14th, and we could be in for more auroral displays on the 16th.

Keep an eye on Spaceweather.com for forecasts and warnings. Another good site is at NOAA. Here’s a SOHO image of the offending solar region.

The Sun never disappoints if you’re looking for action. Still, it would be nice if Earth weather would cooperate. I rarely get to see aurora borealis, although I’ve seen aurora australis (the aurorae over the south pole of our planet). I know, I know… it takes patience and opportunity… and sometimes a little bit of weather luck.