· · ·

First solar activity in 2012 – Ionospheric disturbance and wonderful auroras

first-solar-activity-in-2012-ionospheric-disturbance-and-wonderfull-auroras

Polar Light Center in Lofoten, Norway recorded today around 13:20 UTC, a wave of ionization that swept through the high atmosphere over Europe after sunspot AR 1389 unleashed another M2-class solar flare. NOAA/SWPC forecasters estimate a 40% chance of more M-flares and 5% chance of X-flares during the next 24 hours.

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

 

Solar wind
speed: 389.3 km/sec
density: 9.7 protons/cm3

 

 

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: B6 1800 UT Dec31
24-hr: M2 1315 UT Dec31

 

 

The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 141 sfu

 

 

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 1 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 2 quiet

 

 

Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal5.1 nT
Bz2.1 nT north 

Sunspot 11389 continues to increase in size and is now classified as a beta-gamma region. The region has produced a couple of low C-class flares recently and has been quiescent since 00:00 UTC. There is still a chance for some intermediate level activity over the next 24 hours.

Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity (31 Dec 2011)
Solar activity was moderate. There were two M-class x-ray flares from Region 1389 (S23E31), the largest of which was a M2/Sf at 31/1315Z accompanied by a 150 pfu tenflare. The second was a M1/1F at 31/1626Z. This region was classified as an Ekc type group with beta-gamma characteristics. Region 1386 was also active, producing a C1/Sf flare at 31/1731Z. The remaining regions were stable. Solar activity is expected to remain at predominantly low levels, with a chance for occasional M-class activity from Region 1389.
The geomagnetic field was quiet. Solar wind speed at the ACE spacecraft was about 350 km/s and Bz was mostly neutral to slightly negative. The geomagnetic field is expected to reach unsettled levels for the next three days (1-3 January) as a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream becomes geoeffective. There is a slight chance for active conditions during this period.

 

Sunspot 1389 is continuing to produce solar flares. Solar activity was fairly low during the latter part of Friday, however an M2.4 s/f was detected Saturday morning at 13:15 UTC followed by an M1.5 event at 16:26 UTC. The first event produced a short lived 10cm Radio Burst (TenFlare). There does not appear to be any significant CME. All other visible regions are currently stable. Late Friday, a large prominence located towards the top of the Sun exploded and produced a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). This blast was directed to the north and not towards Earth.

YouTube video

A minor solar wind stream buffered Earth's magnetic field and generated auroras around the Arctic Circle on Dec. 30th. Here are some images of auroras taken from Norway.



Featured image credit: Chad Blakley (Aurora seen from Abisko National Park, Sweden) _ lightsoverlapland.com

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 *