On 10 Nov. 2013, at 01:40 Hrs. EST, a Major X Class Solar Flare was Spotted. The Half Moon occurred at Approx 00:40 Hrs EST.

Every 11 years, at the peak of the 11-year solar cycle, the sun’s magnetic polarity reverses itself. In other words, magnetic north and south on the sunflip. That flip is poised to happen soon, solar physicists say. In August, they were saying “within the next 3-4 months.” The recent high activity on the sun, which has been crackling with solar flares this month including several X-flares, caused Stanford University’s Wilcox Observatory to issue a press release today (November 11, 2013) pointing out again that the reversal process is underway.

Effects on Earth include an increase in cosmic rays at this time, and also the very increase in solar activity that we are observing now. More sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections or CMEs. That solar activity, in turn, affects Earth’s magnetic field. Various kinds of earthly technologies – such as power distribution grids and GPS satellites – may undergo an impact. Plus, those at high latitudes on Earth are seeing more of the beautiful auroras, or northern lights.

Source: Skywatchers.org