1||Similar to the changing seasons here on Earth, the Sun undergoes cycles every five to six years between periods quiet and stability, and of activity. 2011 marks the high season for solar activity including flares, sunspots, and solar wind that when buffeting the Earth, disrupts communications and satellites. On Wednesday this week, the sun released its largest solar flare in four years – the biggest since Dec 6, 2006.||NASA Goddard Photo and Video&&
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://talkingpointsmemo.com/?p=114539