M3.9 solar flare erupts from Active Region 2822

A strong solar flare measuring M3.9 at its peak erupted from Active Region 2822 at 19:04 UTC on May 7, 2021. While this is one of the strongest solar flares of the new solar cycle — SC25, the location of region 2822 does not favor Earth-directed CMEs.

This event was accompanied by Type II (848 km/s) and Type IV radio sweeps, as well as dimming around the region in SUVI 195 imagery.

A shortwave radio blackout took place over North America.

Further analysis will occur to determine if there is an Earth-directed component to the CME as coronagraph imagery becomes available, SWPC forecasters said at 00:30 UTC today.

Image credit: NASA/SDO AIA 131. Acquired at 19:20 UTC on May 7, 2021

Featured image: CME produced by M3.9 solar flare on May 7, 2021. Credit: ESA/NASA SOHO/LASCO C3