ALERT: third strong solar flare in a row, major impact expected 

2 solar flares merged into one huge CME

2 solar flares merged into one huge CME

A major geomagnetic impact is expected August 5th around 10:00 (UT), as two strong M-class flares have merged into one giant flare, according to GSFC Space Weather Lab.

August 4th, a third strong CME was ejected from our sun,

“The impact on Earth is likely to be major. The estimated maximum geomagnetic activity index level Kp is 7 (Kp ranges from 0 – 9). The flanks of the CME may also impact STEREO A, Mars and Mercury/MESSENGER.”

See the animation for the projected path: Earth is the yellow dot.

source: http://www.spaceweather.com/

UPDATE: NOAA explains what is happening (video)