Word Of The Day

Moreton wave:

A solar tsunami–formally known as a Moreton wave–is a giant, fast-moving wave of hot plasma and magnetic energy that ripples across the surface of the sun. The shock front is taller than Earth, moving faster than 1 million mph. [“A SOLAR TSUNAMI,” Dr. Tony Phillips, Spaceweather.com]

I know little of heliophysics, so this is new to me. Regular old tsunamis are often triggered by underwater landslides, although earthquakes can trigger either the landslide or the tsunami.

I think.

The link states solar tsunamis are triggered by solar flares, so I have to wonder how good an analogy this might be.

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About Hue White

Former BBS operator; software engineer; cat lackey.

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