· · ·

Eruptions this weekend could be Earth-directed as Sunspot 1339 turns toward our planet

sunspot-1339

Sunspot 1339 has quieted since Nov. 3rd when it unleashed an X2-class solar flare. Nevertheless, it still poses a threat for powerful eruptions. The behemoth sunspot has a “beta-gamma-delta” magnetic field that harbors energy for more X-flares. Eruptions this weekend could be Earth-directed as Sunspot 1339 turns toward our planet.

AR1339 is one of the largest sunspots in years, and it looks spectacular though backyard solar telescopes. Each of the primary dark cores is about the size of Earth, and the entire group sprawls more than 100,000 km from end to end. The sunspot is so big, it’s starting to attact the attention of people looking into the sunset. (SpaceWeather)

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Solar wind
speed: 292.9 km/sec
density: 0.4 protons/cm3

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: M3 0335 UT Nov05
24-hr: M3 0335 UT Nov05

The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 160 sfu

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 6.3 nT
Bz: 1.2 nT south

A Solar Flare reaching M3.7 peaked at 03:35 UTC Saturday morning around Sunspot 1339 and was long in duration. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are known to result from these type of flares. So far (as of 05:15 UTC) the images do not indicate a large CME, but more images will be needed.

Solar activity is now at high levels with a major X1.9 solar flare and multiple M-Class and C-Class events taking place around big Sunspot 1339. This region will continue to be a threat for strong solar flares. Sunspot 1339 will soon be in position for earth directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

A couple of the solar flares on Friday actually took place around a region still located on the northeast limb. The largest of these flares was a C8.6. We may soon have another sunspot to keep an eye on.

Sunspot 1330 has rotated onto the western limb and out of direct earth view. As the same time, a small new sunspot is rotating into view on the eastern limb. (SolarHam)

NOAA 1339 produced an impulsive R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout at 2027 UTC (4:27 pm EDT) on November 3. If a CME occurred, chances are it is not earth-directed given the far eastern  eruption site on the solar disk. Stay tuned on that bit. The large, bright active region remains potent. Odds are good there’s more to come. (NOAA SWPC)

 

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *