Moderately strong M1.2 solar flare erupts from Region 2403

Region 2403, located in the southeast quadrant, erupted with moderately strong M1.2 solar flare at 02:18 UTC on August 21, 2015. The event started at 01:56, peaked at 02:18 and ended at 02:37 UTC.

There were no radio signatures that would suggest a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) was produced.

This region has Beta-Gamma magnetic configuration and is rotating into a more geoeffective position. It is capable of producing strong eruptions on the Sun. CMEs produced by this region in the days ahead could be directed toward Earth.

Sunspots

There are currently 3 numbered sunspot regions on the Earth side of the Sun.

Region 2403 exhibited slight growth in its leader and intermediate spots yesterday, with the majority of the growth in the leader spot area.

Region 2401 was mostly inactive, and exhibited slight decay in its trailer spots area.

Image credit: ESA / PROBA2/SWAP

2401 – Beta
2403 – Beta-Gamma
2404 – Beta

Forecast

Solar activity is expected to be low, with a slight chance for M-Class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) activity over the next 3 days (August 21 to 23), SWPC said in their Forecast Discussion issued 00:30 UTC on August 21.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to be at moderate to high levels, with a chance for very high levels, over the next three days. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain at background levels (Below S1-Minor). 

The solar wind environment is expected to remain slightly disturbed on August 21 and 22 as the positive polarity CH in the north remains in a potentially geoeffective position.

Early on August 23, a recurrent, equatorial, positive polarity CH is expected to further influence the solar wind environment, enhancing the wind speed, mag field, temperature, and density. G1 – Minor geomagnetic storm levels are expected as a result.

Read more: Moderately strong M1.4 solar flare and CME produced by Region 2403

Featured image: NASA SDO/AIA 131 at 02:25 UTC on August 25, 2015.