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CME and Particle Storm of November 8, 2000 |
The Earth's environment is currently bombarded by high energy particles accelerated by a powerful solar eruption last night. A strong flare (M8) and coronal mass ejection were observed by the SOHO instruments. The flux of high-energy protons near Earth is now ~100,000 times greater than normal. This is the 4th largest proton event since 1976.
This radiation storm may fade or black out all HF radio communication at high latitudes. Some earth-orbiting satellites are likely to experience electronic glitches. Astronauts on the International Space Station are safe inside the capsules but extravehicular activities will probably not be allowed while the storm is in progress.
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The flux of solar protons measured in SOHO/ERNE following the solar eruption on July 14, 2000. The histograms represent the proton fluxes in four energy channels (3.3-6.4, 6.4-13, 13-26 and 26-51 MeV). The first protons in the highest energy channel were detected at 10:55 UT. The maximum event fluxes are more than 1,000,0000 fold compared to the constant background flux from the Milky Way:
The solar wind proton speed registered by the CELIAS/PM sensor on SOHO during the time of passage of the shock wave driven by the CME. The speed after the shock is about twice the typical solar wind speed. Relatively large uncertainties are caused by the exceptionally high background produced by energetic flare particles:
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See also:
SOHO Real-Time Images
SOHO/CELIAS MTOF Proton Monitor
SOHO/ERNE 2hr Averaged Proton Intensity
EIT Proton Event Summary for 2000/11/08
TRACE image of related post-event loops
Today's Space Weather
CME and Particle Storm of July 14, 2000 (largest of current solar cycle so far)