Solar radiation storm, CME produced by M4.2 flare expected to hit Earth on May 11

Solar radiation storm, CME produced by M4.2 flare expected to hit Earth on May 11

High solar activity was observed on May 10, 2023, primarily due to the enhanced flare potential of Region 3296. The most significant event from the region was an M4.2 flare, which resulted in a well-defined partial halo Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) signature, expected to hit Earth sometime after 18:00 UTC on May 11. The 10 MeV proton flux peaked at 38 pfu, dropped below Minor – S1 solar radiation storm levels by 12:35 UTC on May 9, but still above average, and then rose back over the 10 pfu threshold due to the May 7 CME passage.

M6.5 solar flare erupts from Region 3296, CME produced on May 7 heading our way

M6.5 solar flare erupts from Region 3296, CME produced on May 7 heading our way

A moderately strong M6.5 solar flare erupted from Active Region 3296 at 03:54 UTC on May 9, 2023. The event started at 03:42 and ended at 04:05 UTC. This was the 12th M-class solar flare since M4.3 on May 3. It was followed by M1.2 at 06:13 UTC, also from Region 3296. The CME produced on May 7 was modeled and analyzed and the likely result is impact to Earth late on May 10 to early May 11.