M Class Flare 2-13-11

At the time of this post, there is a M class flare in progress.

Scientists classify solar flares according to their x-ray brightness in the wavelength range 1 to 8 Angstroms. There are 3 categories: X-class flares are big; they are major events that can trigger planet-wide radio blackouts and long-lasting radiation storms. M-class flares are medium-sized; they can cause brief radio blackouts that affect Earth's polar regions. Minor radiation storms sometimes follow an M-class flare. Compared to X- and M-class events, C-class flares are small with few noticeable consequences here on Earth. spaceweather.com...

how big of a flare M- class - X- class would we need to hit earth to see the northern lights close to the 49th, would this recent one directed at us effect the aurolal ovel enough to push them this far south

Originally posted by SaneThinking
how big of a flare M- class - X- class would we need to hit earth to see the northern lights close to the 49th, would this recent one directed at us effect the aurolal ovel enough to push them this far south

I think it depends on a few factors. An X class flare would cause server disruption worldwide to radio/power.
An M class flare will cause disturbance to the pole regions. Depending on how strong a flare it is, auroras could be seen further south/north.

Will have to keep an eye on spaceweather for updates. www.spaceweather.com...

Here is an ongoing thread on ATS:
Solar Thread 2011

Not too exciting. Go here to see a list X class flares and their dates.