An asymmetric partial-halo Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) erupted from Region 2497 late February 11, 2016. The CME was, at least in part, produced by a long duration C8.9 solar flare that peaked at 21:03 UTC.
Associated with the event were Type II and Type IV radio sweeps (estimated shock speed of 483 km/s). Initial analysis suggests this CME has an Earth-directed component and is expected to arrive early on February 15, causing periods of G1 - Minor geomagnetic storming.
Long duration C8 solar flare might have launched a CME. More at: https://t.co/pLZLU26mqp pic.twitter.com/768GwfZKIE
— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) February 11, 2016
C8.9 CME could arrive early on 15 February. Minor storm conditions likely. More at: https://t.co/9knUh4gIH4 pic.twitter.com/LRXFOt7UCO
— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) February 12, 2016
Partial-halo CME on February 11, 2016. Image credit: ESA/NASA SOHO/LASCO C2.
At 10:47 UTC on February 12, the same region erupted with M1.0 solar flare (R1 - Minor radio blackout). There were no radio signatures that would suggest a CME was associated with that event.
Slight growth and consolidation was observed in Region 2497 as well as the formation of a delta within its larger intermediate spots over the last 30 hours.
SWPC forecasters expect C-class flares with a chance for another R1 - Minor event over the next few days.
Sunspots on February 12, 2016. Image credit: NASA SDO/HMI
2492 - Alpha
2494 - Beta
2497 - Beta-Gamma-Delta
2498 - Alpha
WSA-ENLIL CME prediction model. Credit: NASA/GSFC
Featured image credit: NASA/GSFC
