An M8.7 (quite large) solar flare erupted from the Sun accompanied by a large coronal mass ejection (CME). The telltale brightening of the flare early Jan 23, 2011, was followed by a burst of particles into space, then superheated magnetic loops spun up in coils above the active region as the magnetic field began to reorganize itself. The eruption sent a stream of fast-moving, highly energetic protons toward Earth, igniting the most intense solar energetic particle storm since 2005. The fast-moving CME also was headed towards Earth where it generated wonderful displays of aurora in the higher latitudes.