Moderate M1.2 solar flare erupted around AR 1909

moderate-m1-2-solar-flare-erupted-around-ar-1909

Moderate solar flare measuring M1.2 erupted today from around AR 1909. The event started at 07:17, peaked at 07:29 and ended at 07:49 UTC. Region 1909 (S17W50, Dso/beta) is decreasing in size but maintains some magnetic complexity.

A 10 cm Radio Burst lasting 4 minutes with peak flux of 220 sfu was associated with the event. A 10 cm radio burst indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10 cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10 cm 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.

A Type II Radio Emission was also registered:

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2013 Dec 07 0723 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 691 km/s
Description: Type II emissions occur in association with eruptions on the sun and typically indicate a coronal mass ejection is associated with a flare event.

***

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2013 Dec 07 0721 UTC
Maximum Time: 2013 Dec 07 0722 UTC
End Time: 2013 Dec 07 0725 UTC
Duration: 4 minutes
Peak Flux: 220 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 151 sfu

The CME associated with the filament that erupted near Region 1909 on December 5 was analyzed and the resulting Enlil model run suggests that a weak glancing blow is possible on December 8 but conditions will likely be dominated by high speed wind effects at that time. CME is expected at 05:46 UTC (+/- 6 hours).

Sunspots

There are currently 6 numbered sunspot regions on the disk. While southern hemisphere is peppered with sunspots, none of them is strongly flaring. Region 1916 (S13W10, Dac/beta-gamma) showed moderate growth in its intermediate and trailer spots but only produced a pair of optical flares in last 36 hours.

Sunspots on December 7, 2013. 

1908 S25W79 236 40 2 HSX 2 Alpha
1909 S17W50 207 140 10 DSO 10 Beta
1911 S11W64 221 10 1 AXX 1 Alpha
1912 S21E17 140 130 14 CAO 1 Beta
1915 S30W48 206 30 8 DRO 10 Beta
1916 S13W10 168 200 9 DAC 21 Beta-Gamma

Solar activity is expected to be low with a slight chance for M-class (NOAA Scale R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flares for the next three days (December 7 – 9).

Solar wind speeds are expected to increase on December 7 with the onset of a recurrent positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) and remain elevated during December 8. A gradual decrease is expected on December 9 as CH HSS effects subside.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled to active with a slight chance for an isolated minor storm period on December 7  due to CH HSS effects as well as on December 8 due to a combination of CH HSS effects and possible weak influence from the CME associated with the December 5 filament eruption.

A return to quiet conditions is expected on December 9 as effects subside.

Featured image: NASA SDO/AIA 304

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *