Magnetic Vortex Solar Flare
 

March 21, 2007: It's enough to make you leap out of your seat: A magnetic vortex almost as big as Earth races across your computer screen, twisting, turning, finally erupting in a powerful solar flare. Japan's Hinode spacecraft recorded just such a blast on Jan. 12, 2007.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2...n12_strip2.jpg

now the vid...

http://www.nasa.gov/mov/171957main_R...Flare_Vid1.mov

It's not like that hasn't happened before. It's really a cool thing to watch, but we all know now, that people are going to tie that into the sole reason of global warming.

Good stuff.

Of course that's not the sole reason for global warming, I don't think it has anything to do with it. The intensity of the sun varies during the eleven year sunspot cycle, but also can vary as much as 2-6% over the course of centuries. This fluctuation was probably responsible for the mini ice age between 1645 & 1715. The current rise in the solar constant is at least partially responsible for global warming, along with many other factors.

Cool pic, BTW!:)

I remember seeing an article that I found completely ludicrous, saying something about human beings not being the reason for global warming, because of these solar flares. I thought it was retarded to think that, and I still believe that.

Thanks. :) (About the avatar)

Yes, that seems retarded, since solar flares are not constant enough to effect the temperature, over a long period of time. Although a large enough flare, in the direction of the Earth, could cause a very sudden intense burst of heat. Lets hope that doesn't happen! Humans are at least partially responsible for global warming, yet the current regime in power certainly wouldn't want anyone to believe that.

just saw this on the NASA channel.......wow!

this relates to the real reason...

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~bgmark_...50[1].jpeg