Well, being totally ignorant about solar physics, i really had no idea what they were talking about and why they were making it sound as if Armageddon is near. So i googled for news on "sunspot" and found out that there were some activities on the sun that may affect the magnetic field on the earth and may consequently wreak havoc to the lives of the earthling.
According to the The Herald,
The X-rays associated with the explosions can black out short-wave radio links to sailors and airline pilots and disrupt satellite navigation systems. Solar flares are also accompanied by Coronal Mass Ejections, bubbles of erupting gas which generate large amounts of particle radiation, causing severe damage to satellites and spacecraft.Ok, someone please pass me the encyclopedia as i really have no idea what this is all about. All i could gather is that, em, maybe it would be safer not to take any flight over the next few days?
... ...
Geomagnetic disturbance caused by solar particles can also produce surges in power lines that have led to grid collapses and blackouts. In extreme cases, passengers on high-flying aircraft may be at an increased risk from radiation.
The article on the ITAR-TASS site seems to be easier to understand. This was what i took notice of:
The scientists said that the Earth would experience a series of energy blows within the next few days. That may affect electronic equipment, primarily mobile phones and satellites, and millions of people.and this:
The scientists predicted a series of even stronger discharges within the next 24 hours. The giant spot is targeted at the Earth, they said.So i guess if our mobile phones, the Internet, Astro, or whatnot suddenly go cockoo these few days, we should know what's the cause.
The majority of solar discharges fly by the Earth, but this time chances of a frontal hit make 75%.
Hmmm, i've heard before that magnetic field affects human as well, so i guess there's another excuse for me to throw tantrums at 贝, in addition to the hackneyed excuse of PMS.
