A new active region of the sun is now rotating into view, and on March 2nd and 4th, it let loose two M-class flares and on March 4th also spewed out a X Class flare. This new region is designated AR1429.

The impact from that region is minimal however, in that the region is still pointed away, off to the side of earth’s orbit. Scientists say the two medium strength M class flares and the strongest class, the X flare, will have little effect on the magnetosphere. Although the latest flare may deal us a glancing blow. Each flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection.

Scientists say that the M class flare on the 4th also sent out a type IV radio burst with the flare. These bursts generally occur towards the end of a flare and, depending on the intensity and positioning of the earth in relation to the sun, can disrupt radio communications on earth.

The X class flare that erupted yesterday is expected to cause significant auroras starting tomorrow and extending through Wednesday visible in the higher latitudes. This flare was smaller than the largest X class flare on January 27th. That flare was designated as a X1.7, the flare yesterday was a X1.1.

This no doubt will not be the last we hear of this region. In the past 2 hours, there have been reports of continous activity, with the region spitting out a C5.4, C7.8, and an hour ago, an M class flare.

If a flare is aimed directly at earth, it can disrupt satellites, and power grids as well as communications on the ground. Strong flares also pose a significant hazard to astronauts in the space station.

The present activity that we are seeing from the sun is part of an 11 year cycle. This cycle is set to peak in early 2013.