=WARNING=Earth Directed X2.2-Class Solar Flare and bright CME: FIRST X-FLARE OF THE NEW SOLAR CYCLE: Earth-orbiting satellites detected an X2-class solar flare at 0156 UT on Feb. 15th. This is the most powerful solar flare in nearly five years, and the first X-flare of Solar Cycle 24. The source was behemoth sunspot 1158.
