The Quiet Before the Storm

Ok, so everyone knows what an Aurora Borealis is, right? AKA--Northern Lights. Well, NASA is predicting a massive solar storm in the coming years..and for it to max out around 2010-2012..somewhere in there. If you're wondering what that means, let me explain. Usually when there's a solar flare, the auroras are only seen in the north..like Alaska. With this storm, even us down here in the south..even as far as Mexico will be able to see them. They say , " It's official: Solar minimum has arrived. Sunspots have all but vanished. Solar flares are nonexistent. The sun is utterly quiet. Like the quiet before a storm." And that was reported back on March 10, 2006.

The largest one ever was documented back in 1958 and the coming one will be the 2nd largest one. So..get ready for the most intense solar maximum in fifty years!! You can check out the story on NASA's website here. Be sure to check out the phenomenal pictures of some incredible auroras by clicking on the picture. The article explains how solar flares work, how it affects us and what it all means. Regardless of what it means, we're in for one honey of a storm..so go ahead and splurge on that really nice camera..you're going to need it!