Solar Flares Closing In On Earth

WASHINGTON – The massive sunspot identified as AR1654, which is spewing solar flares, has scientists saying that a portion of a coronal mass ejection is expected to brush Earth’s magnetic field, creating what observers say are bright auroras around the Arctic Circle.

Already, scientists say, the CME’s arrival on the solar winds is creating auroras arcing across the skies of northern Scandinavia.

Scientists from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration say this reveals the potential for a solar storm maximum as the sun approaches the height of its latest 11-year cycle this year and next.

Flares are expected to continue into 2020.

Scientists at these space-watch agencies say that if Earth gets a direct hit from one of these solar flares – some of which can be up to four times the size of Earth – the damage could be enormous.

The United States alone would sustain damages up to $2 trillion the first year to the nation’s electric grid-dependent critical infrastructures. In addition, it could leave some 160 million people – more than half the population of the United States – starving because of the collapse of food and fuel delivery systems.

In addition, it could take from four to 10 years to recover.

They say they would expect high casualties because of America’s dependence on electric power, electronics and digital telecommunications and information networks.

more here: WND