Impulsive M7.6 solar flare erupts from Region 2422

An impulsive solar flare measuring M7.6 erupted at 14:58 UTC on September 28, 2015 from geoeffective Active Region 2422. The event started at 14:53, and ended at 15:03 UTC. 

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

This region is in geoeffective position, it has 'Beta-Gamma-Delta' magnetic configuration and is capable of producing more strong to major eruptions on the Sun. CMEs produced by it over the coming days should be Earth directed.

After M1.9 at 10:40 UTC and M1.0 at 20:54 UTC on September 27, both from geoeffective Region 2422, and M3.6 from Region 2423 at 03:55 UTC on September 28, Region 2422 produced two M1.1 flares (at 07:35 and 13:18 UTC) before erupting with M7.6. It appears none of the AR 2422 events produced a CME. The M3.6 from AR 2423 appeared to have a CME ejection off the SW limb in SDO/AIA 193 imagery beginning at 03:51 UTC. 

Solar activity is likely to continue at moderate levels (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) with a chance for X-class (R3-Strong or greater) flares over the next three days. Regions 2422 and 2423 are the likely sources for significant flaring activity.

There are currently 8 numbered sunspot regions on the Earth side of the Sun. 

Sunspots on September 28, 2015. Image credit: NASA SDO/HMI

2420 – Beta
2421 – Beta
2422 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
2423 – Beta-Gamma
2424 – Alpha
2425 – Alpha
2426 – Alpha
2427 – Beta

The geomagnetic field is currently at quiet levels and is expected to be mostly quiet with isolated unsettled periods possible over the next three days (September 28 – 30).

Featured image credit: NASA SDO/AIA 131 at 15:00 UTC on September 28, 2015.