Earth-facing sunspot 1356 harbors energy for M-class solar flares

Earth-facing sunspot 1356 has developed a “beta-gamma” magnetic field that harbors energy for M-class solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 30% chance of such an eruption during the next 24 hours.

A bright Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is seen in the latest Lasco images taking place off the northwest limb on Tuesday evening. This is the 3rd such explosion of the day, but just like the first two, it is not Earth directed.

The solar X-Ray background levels are currently in the B-Class range and only minor C-Class flare activity has been detected within the past 24 hours. Sunspot 1346 has rotated onto the western limb. There will remain the chance for C-Class flares around Sunspot 1356. (SolarHam)

Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity on 22 Nov 2011

Solar activity was low. Regions 1354 (S17E05) and 1356 (N15E42) each produced low-level C-class events. The largest event was a C4 at 22/0404Z from Region 1356 which is classified as an Fki-type group with a beat-gamma magnetic configuration. New Region 1358 (N20E80) was numbered today and is an Hsx-alpha type spot group. The geomagnetic field was mostly quiet during the past 24 hours.

Solar activity is expected to be low for the next three days (23-25 November) with a chance for M-class activity from Region 1356. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet for the next three days (23-25 November).

Event Probabilities 23 Nov-25 Nov
Class M 30/30/30
Class X 01/01/01