Another moderate solar flare M3.2 from Region 1748, CME detected

Moderate solar flare measuring M3.2 erupted from Region 1748 on May 17, 2013 peaking at 08:57 UTC. A type II and IV radio emissions were associated with the event. Type IV emissions occur in association with major eruptions on the Sun and are typically associated with strong coronal mass ejections and solar radiation storms.

It seems Earth will feel some of Sun's material from this flare. Slight CME impact is forecasted late on May 19th.

Additionally, a 10cm radio burst measuring 450 sfu was recorded. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

This is second M-class solar flare from this region in last 12 hours. AR 1748 is classified with Beta-Gamma-Delta magnetic configuration. It is capable of strong eruptions and moving into more geoeffective position. This same region was the source of moderate to very strong activity in last couple of days. Numerous C and M-class flares were recorded. 4 X-class flares erupted from this region on May 13/14 (X1.7 and X2.8 on May 13th, X3.2 and X1.2 on May 14th).

NOAA SWPC forecasters estimated 75% chance for M-class event today, and 50% chance for an X-class. 

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP4
Serial Number: 416
Issue Time: 2013 May 17 0927 UTC

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2013 May 17 0850 UTC
Description: Type IV emissions occur in association with major eruptions on the sun and are typically associated with strong coronal mass ejections and solar radiation storms.

***

Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
Serial Number: 582
Issue Time: 2013 May 17 0926 UTC

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2013 May 17 0848 UTC
Maximum Time: 2013 May 17 0857 UTC
End Time: 2013 May 17 0912 UTC
Duration: 24 minutes
Peak Flux: 450 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 145 sfu

Description: A 10cm radio burst indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10cm radio background. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

*** 

Sunspots

The positions and status of active regions have not changed since our last report. There are currently 10 numbered sunspot groups, active regions, on the solar disk. One to pay most attention to remains Region 1748, still classified with Beta-Gamma-Delta magnetic configuration and capable of strong eruptions. Region 1745 decayed to Beta magnetic field and is now posing little or no threat. It is, however, directly facing Earth today.

All other regions have Beta magnetic configuration. See their positions and sizes on the image below:

1743 – Beta
1744 – Beta
1745 – Beta
1746 – Beta
1747 – Beta
1748 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
1749 – Beta
1750 – Beta
1751 – Beta
1752 – Beta

Featured image: NASA SDO AIA 171, Edit: The Watchers