Tomas wrote:

At 1955Z, 4-XI-2003, an X-class flare peaked from region 486. Initial data
from GEOS 12 indicates that the flare is an X18, while GEOS 10 shows it as
X17. However, there is speculation (i.e., Thomas Giella (KN4LF), others)
that it might be much stronger, as this event saturated the sensor for 11
minutes. I have viewed preliminary images of this very bright and
significant flare, and it is truly amazing.

If the flare is larger than the X17 flare from recent activity, this will
become one of the two most powerful flares recorded. The flare has caused
extensive radio blackout conditions on most of the HF radio spectrum.
Ground wave communications is not significantly impacted, nor is
line-of-sight VHF and above.

A type II Radio Emission began at 1942Z 4-XI-2003 with an estimated
velocity of 1268 km/s. Interplanetary type II bursts are statistically
strongly associated with fast CME and interplanetary shock waves (Cane,
Shelley & Howard 1987). Thus, there is a chance that we will have at least
a glancing blow from the side of the possible CME associated with this new
flare. I will update when more data is known.

73 de Tomas, NW7US (AAR0JA/AAM0EWA)


Still 58 deg F near Sacramento, CA. (I know, I know, but does anybody
remember that really stupid TV movie a couple years ago in which a solar
flare roasted LA?)