Long-duration M7.3 solar flare produces possible Earth-directed CME
A long-duration M7.3 solar flare was observed on June 1, 2024, peaking at 19:39 UTC. This event, originating from Region 3697, produced an asymmetric coronal mass ejection (CME), with a possible Earth-directed component, according to SWPC.
The event was associated with a Type II (estimated velocity 681 km/s) and IV radio emissions, indicating a strong CME was produced.
This event started at around 19:03 and ended at 20:28 UTC, coinciding with a powerful far-side event which made it difficult to analyze. While preliminary SWPC analysis suggests the halo CME was associated with the aforementioned M7.2 event, other solar physics experts suggest it was produced on the farside and thus had no Earth-directed component.
Second X-class (X1.0) flare of June 2024, followed by an M7.4 flare.
— Halo CME (@halocme) June 1, 2024
The X1.0 looked as boring as the X1.1 on May 31 and X1.4 on June 1, but the M7.4 was eruptive as seen in this video. Question: was the eruption seen over the limb during 18:45-18:55 related to AR 13967? pic.twitter.com/9wGN8HRUw2
Updated SOHO/LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery showing the coronal mass ejection launched by the M7 solar flare.
— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) June 1, 2024
An asymmetrical full halo coronal mass ejection can be seen with a majority of the ejecta heading east. However, the full halo outline suggest there is high chance that… pic.twitter.com/OenJxAR7Hl
Very nice halo CME. You may think the X1.0 flare was the culprit, even expecting the CME to arrive at Earth.
— Halo CME (@halocme) June 1, 2024
After examining AIA images, however, I propose this was a far side event, which occurred around the flare time. The far side eruption was captured in my last video. pic.twitter.com/D6gdKfo2bc
The flare originated from Region 3697 (ex 3664 — beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration), which also produced three X1-class flares since May 31 — X1.1 at 22:03 UTC on May 31, X1.4 at 08:48 UTC and X1.0 at 18:36 UTC.
Growth was observed in the intermediate spot area of Region 3697 and a delta configuration persisted in the leader spot area on June 1. Region 3691 (beta-gamma) showed an overall decay trend and magnetic simplification throughout the period and produced C-class activity. Region 3698 indicated some overall growth, particularly in the leader spots. New Region 3699 (beta) was numbered yesterday and exhibited minor growth since emerging.
Solar activity is expected to continue at moderate to high levels through June 4, with occasional M-class flares (75%) and a chance for isolated X-class flare activity (35%).
The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels on June 1 and quiet to unsettled levels are expected on June 2.
“Pending modeling results for the halo CME from June 1, the forecast for June 3 and 4 is likely to be in the G1 – Minor to G3 – Strong range,” SWPC forecasters said at 00:30 UTC on June 2.
References:
1 Forecast Discussion – NOAA/SWPC – Issued at 00:30 UTC on June 2, 2024
Featured image: Asymmetric halo CME produced on June 1, 2024. Credit: NASA/ESA LASCO C2 & C3, Helioviewer, The Watchers
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