Sunspot 1540 produced a long duration M1.0 solar flare

A long duration M1.0 solar flare took place on August 11. 2012. The event started at 11:55, peaked at 12:20 and ended at 12:57 UTC. The source of this solar flare was centered around Sunspot 1540. Plasma was magnetically pulled back in towards 1544 located to the east.

A faint CME was first observed in LASCO C2 imagery emerging from the southwest. Analysis is underway to determine the potential geoeffectiveness.

Sunspot 1542 continues to crackle with minor C-class solar flares. NOAA/SWPC estimates that there is 15% chance for M-class and only 1% for X-class solar flare events.

Minor R1 Radio Blackout Level was issued by NOAA/SWPC. Weak or minor degradation of HF radio communication on sunlit side, occasional loss of radio contact and low-frequency navigation signals could be degraded for brief intervals.

There are no large coronal holes on the Earthside of the sun.