Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (DHS)(NCS)

Received this official memo at work this morning.....

National Communications System
NCC Watch
PHONE: (703) 235-5080 FAX: (703) 235-5078 Email: [email protected]
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Solar Magnetic Storm
RFI #: 029 RFI Date: 2/15/2011 RFI Time: 15:00
INFORMATION REQUESTED:
As the result of a Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection(CME) two plasma clouds are heading toward the Earth. These
plasma clouds have the potential to cause some level of geomagnetic storming during the next 12 to 60 hours. The
National Coordinating Center(NCC) is requesting information on any issues/unmet needs to impacts to the induced
currents of electrical networks, communications infrastructure, or service due to the reported solar flare during the next
12-72 hours.
INCIDENT:
Earth-orbiting satellites have detected the strongest solar flare in more than four years. At 0156 UT on Feb. 15th, giant
sunspot 1158 unleashed an X2-class eruption. X-flares are the strongest type of x-ray flares, and this is the first such
eruption of new Solar Cycle 24. The explosion that produced the flare also sent a solar tsunami rippling through the sun's
atmosphere and, more importantly, hurled a coronal mass ejection toward Earth. This raises the possibility of
geomagnetic storms in the days ahead.
KNOWN CAUSE:
Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection(CME)
DURATION:
12-72 hours
CURRENT ACTIONS:
The NCC Watch will continue to monitor the situation for impact to communications infrastructure and service. The NCC
Watch will follow up on Friday, 18 February 2011 by 2000 EST, with an NCC Watch Advisory summarizing all reported
feedbacks.
SOURCES:
* [link to spaceweather.com]
* Joe Kunches at the Space Weather Forecast Office of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, CO
* John D. Greenhill, Department of Energy
(U) Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED // FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). It contains information that may be exempt from public
release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in
accordance with DHS policy relating to FOUO informaiton and is not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid
need-to-know and prior approval of an authorized NCS or DHS official.