Long-duration M3.7 solar flare erupts from AR 3229, producing large coronal mass ejection

A long-duration M3.7 solar flare erupted from Active Region 3229 at 20:30 UTC on February 24, 2023, producing a large coronal mass ejection (CME). The event was associated with a filament eruption.

A Type II (estimated velocity of 1 294 km/s) and IV radio emissions were associated with the event, indicating a major eruption and strong CME.

In addition, a 10cm Radio Burst (tenflare), lasting 8 minutes and with peak flux of 229 sfu, was also associated with this event.

A 10cm radio burst indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10cm radio background. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

Radio frequencies were forecast to be most degraded over the Pacific Ocean at the time of the flare.

Update

Coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by a long-duration M3.7 solar flare at 20:30 UTC on February 24, 2023, reached Earth at 19:25 UTC on February 26.

The impact of this event is anticipated to be followed by a glancing blow from another CME generated by the M6.3 solar flare on February 25, expected to arrive during the afternoon hours on February 27.

The resulting geomagnetic storm activity is expected to be significant due to both CMEs interacting with a negative-polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS).

This interaction has the potential to produce G3 – Strong or even higher levels of geomagnetic storm activity.

CME impacts Earth, G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch in effect

Featured image credit: SDO/AIA 304, Helioviewer, The Watchers. Acquired at 20:40 UTC on February 24, 2023