Region 2017 unleashed moderately strong M2.6 solar flare

Region 2017 unleashed a second moderately strong solar flare on March 28, 2014. This event peaked as M2.6 solar flare at 23:51 UTC, and like the previous one (M2.0), it was associated with Type II radiation sweep. Estimated speed of this event was 857 km/2. Type II emissions typically indicate a Coronal Mass Ejection is associated with a flare event.

Additional coronagraph imagery and subsequent forecaster analysis is needed to determine if any CMEs associated with the M2 flares detailed above contain an Earth-directed component.

A few STEREO-A COR 2 images have been received and suggest the first CME may be directed north of the ecliptic. The analysis will be refined as more imagery becomes available. (SWPC)

NOAA SWPC forecasters estimate 20% chance of M-class, and 1% chance of X-class solar flare in next three days.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
Serial Number: 918
Issue Time: 2014 Mar 29 0040 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2014 Mar 28 2350 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 857 km/s

Comment: Associated with M2/1n flare from Region 2017 (N10W20).
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.

Sunspots

There are currently 7 numbered sunspot region on the Earth side of the Sun. Region 2017 developed a delta magnetic configuration in its northern leader spot area and along with Region 2021 (S15E50, Dao/beta) exhibited moderate growth yesterday.

Sunspots on March 29, 2014. Image credit: NASA SDO / HMI

2010 S14W80 203 80 9 DAO 10 BG

2014 S15W46 169 290 15 EHI 22 BG

2016 S28W77 200 30 5 CRO 3 B

2017 N10W20 143 150 9 DAO 14 BD

2018 N03W16 139 30 6 CRO 8 B

2021 S15E50 73 40 4 DAO 7 B

2022 N16E64 59 60 3 HSX 1 A

Featured image: NASA SDO AIA 304 – March 28, 2014 at 23:51 UTC.