#X-ray #Solar #Flares
6-hr max: X1 1548 UT Feb11

A DANGEROUS SUNSPOT: Sunspot AR3217 has a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for X-class solar flares. Indeed, it just unleashed one (see below). The sunspot is turning toward Earth so any flares this weekend are likely to be geoeffective.
SOLAR #FLARE AND RADIO BLACKOUT: Earth-orbiting satellites have just detected an X1.1-class solar flare from sunspot AR3217 (Feb. 11th @ 1548 UTC). Extreme #UV #radiation ionized the top of Earth's atmosphere, causing a strong shortwave radio blackout over South America

#Comet ZTF is approaching the ecliptic and is now near #Mars," says Jaeger. On. Saturday night they will be less than 1 degree apart.

The two celestial bodies are a study in contrast. Mars is red (due to rust in the planet's regolith). Comet ZTF is green (due to diatomic carbon in its atmosphere). Mars is 100 times brighter and easy to see with the unaided eye. Comet ZTF is nearly invisible.
https://spaceweather.com/