Moderately strong M1.8 solar flare erupted from western limb

Moderately strong solar flare measuring M1.8 at its peak time erupted on May 6, 2014. The event started at 08:41, peaked at 09:03 and ended at 09:21 UTC.

The source was Active Region 2051 located on the western limb. CME was not Earth directed. [Updates]

Solar wind parameters indicated continued waning CME effects yesterday. Wind speeds were variable in the 340-420 km/s range, with a peak speed of 425 km/s at 05/21:50 UTC. Solar wind parameters are expected to remain enhanced for the next three days (May 6 – 8) with the onset of a weak, positive polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) on May 6 and with the arrival of the May 3 glancing blow CME late on May 6 / early 07 May 7.

NOAA SWPC forecasters estimate 45% chance for M-class, and 15% chance or X-class solar flares in next two days.

Sunspots

There are currently 8 numbered sunspot regions on the disk. 

Regions 2047 (S17W68, Cao/beta) and 2049 (S07W34, Dac/beta-gamma) showed signs of decay in their intermediate and follower spots during last 24 hours. Region 2053 (N10E26, Dao/beta) displayed penumbral development in its follower spots as well as consolidation in its leader. Region 2055 (N10E67, Dao/beta) was numbered yesterday.

Old active regions 2035 and 2046 are expected to return in next two days.

Sunspots on May 6, 2014. Image credit: NASA SDO / HMI

2047 – Beta
2049 – Beta-Gamma
2050 – Alpha
2051 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
2052 – Beta
2053 – Beta
2054 – Alpha
2055 – Beta

Featured image: NASA SDO AIA 304 on May 6, 2014 at 08:57 UTC