The article mentioned complex patterns of currents below the Sun's surface that produce sunspots when they contact plasma. These streams can rub against each other, and the opposing forces shoot out material in the form of solar flares. It will monitor particles streaming from the Sun, and scientists hope to be able to predict geomagnetic storms an hour earlier than at present. Given the rise in solar flux and the gradual change toward the Fall season, HF radio conditions over the next week should be excellent. UTC is based on the performance of atomic clocks.
Astronomical time is based on the rate of rotation of the earth.
Since atomic clocks are more stable than the rate at which the earth rotates, leap seconds are needed to keep the two time scales in agreement. The first leap second occurred on June 30, 1972. Based on what we know about Earth's rotation, it is unlikely that we will have a negative leap second in the foreseeable future. SSB means slaw, salsa and beer. Packet is what you do before a fishin trip.