Return of the old Sunspot 1402
After two-week long transit around the far side of the Sun, Sunspot 1402 has returned into view in the northeast quadrant. Sunspot 1402 is now re-numbered as Sunspot 1419. This region is smaller than it was before, after two weeks of decay. On January 27 it unleashed an X2-class solar flare, the strongest flare in Solar Cycle 24.
AR1419 for its second apparition, is now crackling with B and C-class solar flares. These flares are minor compared to the eruptions of January.
Sunspot 1416 lost its beta-gamma magnetic configuration on Sunday. There will continue to be a chance for C-Class flares and a lower threat for an M-Class event.
Meanwhile, NOAA/SWPC forecasters give 50% chance for M-class solar flare events and 10% for X-class solar flare events. Tomorrow we expect CME impact from February 10. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels, with high latitude minor storm intervals. It should be interesting evening for aurora watchers around Polar circles.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Solar wind
speed: 422.5 km/sec
density: 2.1 protons/cm3
X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: B3 0701 UT Feb13
24-hr: B3 0022 UT Feb13
The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 110 sfu
Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 2 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 3 quiet
Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 8.6 nT
Bz: 0.7 nT north
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