·

Major solar flare measuring X1.6 erupted from Region 2205, Earth-directed CME

major-solar-flare-measuring-x1-6-erupted-from-region-2205

A major solar flare measuring X1.6 (R3 – Strong radio blackout) at its peak time erupted from Region 2205 ('beta-gamma-delta') on November 7, 2014. The event started at 16:53, peaked at 17:26 and ended at 17:34 UTC.

This region already produced several moderate to strong eruptions during last couple of days. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were generated during those eruptions but were, until now, directed mostly away from our planet.

A Type II (602 km/s) and IV radio emissions accompanied the event. Type IV emissions occur in association with major eruptions on the sun and are typically associated with strong CMEs and solar radiation storms. 

Additionally, a 10cm Radio Burst lasting 11 minutes (560 sfu) was associated with the event indicatiing 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 partial halo CME was first observed in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery at 18:08 UTC. WSA/ENLIL modeling of the event shows a partially Earth-directed component that is expected to impact the geomagnetic field early to midday on November 10.

G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels are expected as a result.

WSA/ENLIL model showing expected CME impact on Monday, November 10, 2014.

Space Weather Message Code: SUMX01
Serial Number: 110
Issue Time: 2014 Nov 07 1739 UTC

SUMMARY: X-ray Event exceeded X1
Begin Time: 2014 Nov 07 1653 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Nov 07 1726 UTC
End Time: 2014 Nov 07 1734 UTC
X-ray Class: X1.6
Location: N15E38
NOAA Scale: R3 - Strong
Potential Impacts: Area of impact consists of large portions of the sunlit side of Earth, strongest at the sub-solar point.
Radio - Wide area blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication for about an hour.
Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP4
Serial Number: 487
Issue Time: 2014 Nov 07 1756 UTC

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2014 Nov 07 1735 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: ALTTP2
Serial Number: 983
Issue Time: 2014 Nov 07 1756 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2014 Nov 07 1719 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 602 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.
Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
Serial Number: 643
Issue Time: 2014 Nov 07 1817 UTC

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2014 Nov 07 1749 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Nov 07 1751 UTC
End Time: 2014 Nov 07 1800 UTC
Duration: 11 minutes
Peak Flux: 560 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 136 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.
Space Weather Message Code: WATA30
Serial Number: 117
Issue Time: 2014 Nov 08 1039 UTC

WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G2 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Nov 08:  None (Below G1)   Nov 09:  None (Below G1)   Nov 10:  G2 (Moderate)
THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms.
Spacecraft - Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible.
Radio - HF (high frequency) radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes.
Aurora - Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state.

Sunspots

There are currently 6 numbered sunspot regions on the disk. Region 2205 appeared to have some growth with an east-west inversion line dividing the central spots yesterday and today.

Sunspots on November 7, 2014. Image credit: NASA SDO/HMI

2201 – Beta
2202 – Alpha
2203 – Beta
2204 – Beta
2205 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
2206 – Alpha

  • For real-time updates and alerts visit SWS.

Featured image: NASA SDO / AIA 131

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 *