DARK SOLAR FILAMENT: Most solar flares come from sunspots. The next big explosion, however, could come from a different source: A huge magnetic filament is hanging over the surface of the sun, and it could erupt at any moment. Sergio Castillo photographed the structure from his backyard observatory in Corona, CA:
“This dark filament wish is really easy to spot using a backyard solar telescope,” says Castillo. “Many amateur astronomers are photographing it.”
The structure is, essentially, a tendril of plasma more than 400,000 km long held suspended above the surface of the sun by magnetic forces. Its scale is nicely illustrated in this diagram prepared by Spaceweather.com reader Sefano Sello of Pisa, Italy. If the filement were peeled off the sun and stretched out, it would easily reach from Earth to the Moon. It could also be wrapped around the circumference of giant Jupiter many times over.
If the filament becomes unstable and erupts, it could hurl parts of itself into space. Pieces of the filament falling back to the solar surface would explode upon impact, creating one or more Hyder flares. Astronomers with backyard solar telescopes are encouraged to monitor the structure as it turns toward Earth. A photogenic explosion may be in the offing.
Dancing With Fools 
That was completely awesome.
LikeLike
It is good that we can see this stuff and know what is going on with the Sun up there spittin and poppin, keeping us warm in the giant void of the Universe.
Steady rain here, the ducks in the lake are liking it.
LikeLike
Biking in the rain?
LikeLike
Stormy Sol.
LikeLike
Another nice day, stayed above freezing all last night and all of today.
LikeLike
The other day I mentioned something Michigan’s repukes want to get rid of. It had something to do with salary. “Prevailing Wage.” It’s a law we’ve had here for 50 years, they must kill it. Article said it means anyone hired to work for the government, as in road work, or whatever, has to receive union wages. Yes, it must die. The poor taxpayers, they shouldn’t suffer so, paying a good wage to someone who works for them.
LikeLike
Frog-chokin gully washer letting up slightly otherwise monsoonal downpours, I could not see across the lake, banging on the kitchen vent cover above, fungus forming in the corners, tadpoles-a-wailing, yes, dampness is firmly entrenched in Puggerville.
LikeLike
Kayak time?
LikeLike
Having furnace, frig and dryer on same circuit not good. In the future I’ll turn down the furnace before starting the dryer.
LikeLike
I don’t know your circumstances but it might just be better to add a breaker and a separate wire to the dryer, furnace and fridge would be fine together, a good electrician could tell you what you need to prevent overloads. Don’t compromise safety for laundry. 😉
LikeLike
Hic!
LikeLike
Pardon you!
LikeLike
No, I’ll have another, Rodney.
LikeLike
OK, he must have wandered off somewhere, here is a shot of Jameson, that should fill the void. Cheers!
LikeLike
A couplerso shots here has me quite painless which I am certain will be replaced with another pain in the morning, now where did I leave those sheep?
LikeLike
Outside in the rain.
LikeLike
Rocking myself to sleep!
LikeLike