Solar activity update for May 12: Full halo CME observed at 00:00h UTC

Analysis of Solar Active Regions and Activity from May 11/21:00 UTC to May 12/21:00 UTC: Solar activity has been at low levels for the past 24 hours. Region 1476 (N11W18) continues to be the source region for a majority of the flares, producing nine C-class flares, the largest of which was a C3 that occurred on May 11 at 23:02 UTC. This region has shown some signs of decay, but maintains an Fkc/beta-gamma-delta configuration.

A full halo CME was observed on LASCO C2 imagery on May 12 at 00:00 UTC. Preliminary analysis indicated the edge of the CME may skirt the earth, but no major impacts are expected.

The fast-moving cloud will deliver a glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field on May 14 around 14:30 UTC, according to a revised forecast track prepared by analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab.

Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels with isolated M-class flares for the next three days (13-15 May).

Geophysical Activity Summary May 11/21:00 UTC  to May 12/21:00 UTC: The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to unsettled levels for the past 24 hours with periods of active levels at high latitudes . The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels throughout the period.

Geophysical Activity Forecast: The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels for day one (13 May), then fall to quiet levels on day two (14 May). Day three is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels with a chance for active levels due to the potential glancing blow from today’s CME.

Featured image: LASCO C2 on May 12 at 00:00h (SOHO)