WASHINGTON — This morning, star watchers were hustling to gauge the effects of an enormous solar flare, one of the largest known explosions, that erupted overnight. ABC News reports that appears its impact on Mother Earth will be less than at first thought. After taking a close look at the Gonzo solar flare, space weather forecasters are breathing a tad easier. It is still a monster solar eruption, rated at an X-5, firing a powerful blast of radiation from the sun into space, but now it appears the geomagnetic storm will strike earth with only a glancing blow. There may be some impact on power grids and the Northern Lights may put on quite a show, but apparently it won’t be the electro-magnetic Armageddon it might have been, ABC reports. The Web site Spaceweather.com said an X-5 is in the middle of the monster solar storm category. Spaceweather.com said at least part of it should glance off the planet Thursday or Friday and after-effects might last several days. X-flares that make direct hits can cause serious disruptions to radio transmissions, satellite communications and electrical grids.
Wednesday, March 7, 8 a.m.; update 4 p.m.
