Major X2.0 solar flare erupts from Region 3234 – CME produced, S1 – Minor Solar Radiation Storm warning

A major solar flare measuring X2.0 erupted from Active Region 3234 at 17:52 UTC on March 3, 2023.

A Type II (estimated velocity of 247 km/s) and Type IV radio emissions were registered at 17:53 UTC, suggesting a strong coronal mass ejection (CME) and solar radiation storm were produced.

In addition, a 10cm Radio Burst (Tenflare), with a peak flux of 710 sfu, was registered from 17:49 to 18:03 UTC.

Region 3234 (Beta-Gamma-Delta) is located at the NW limb and will soon begin its farside rotation.

While the location of this region does not favor Earth-directed CMEs, it’s possible at least part of this CME will be Earth-directed.

Radio frequencies were forecast to be most degraded over the United States, Central America, and entire South America at the time of the flare.

S1 – Minor Solar Radiation Storm warning was issued at 18:47 UTC. Potential impacts: Radio – Minor impacts on polar HF (high frequency) radio propagation resulting in fades at lower frequencies.

Featured image: X2.0 solar flare on March 3, 2023. Credit: NASA/SDO 304, Helioviewer, The Watchers