Newly numbered Region 2268 produced a moderate M1.4 solar flare

Newly numbered Region 2268 (S10E72, Hax/alpha) produced a moderate M1.4 solar flare on January 22, 2015, just as it began rotating onto the Southeast limb.

The event started at 04:43, peaked at 04:52 and ended at 05:02 UTC.

There were no signatures that would suggest a Coronal Mass Ejection was produced by the event.

This region also produced multiple C-class solar flares during last 48 hours, including a C9.9 at 11:32 UTC on January 21.

Sunspots

There are currently 4 numbered sunspot regions on the solar disk. Newly numbered region 2268 is the only one producing flares at this time. 

The remaining spotted regions are relatively quiet and stable.

Sunspots on January 22, 2015. Image credit: NASA SDO/HMI

2265 – Alpha
2266 – Beta
2267 – Alpha
2268 – Alpha

Forecast

Over the next three days (January 22 – 24), solar activity is expected to be low, with increasing chances for M-class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) as new Region 2268 continues to rotate onto the visible disk, SWPC said.

Solar wind parameters seemed to reflect the influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) during the last 24 hours.

Elevated wind speeds, enhanced total field strength, and periods of isolated negative Bz can be expected over the next three days.

The geomagnetic field saw quiet to unsettled conditions with isolated active periods as CH HSS effects continued.

Quiet to active levels, with a slight chance for minor (G1-minor) storm conditions, are expected from January 22 – 24 due to persistent CH HSS influences.

Featured image: M1.4 solar flare from Region 2260 on January 22, 2015. Image credit: NASA SDO/AIA 304