Second M-class solar flare of the day – M1.6 peaked at 19:28 UTC

A second M-class solar flare erupted today peaking at M1.6 at 19:28 UTC (November 20, 2012). Data is still coming in but it looks like it originated from Earth directed Region 1618, a Betta-Gamma class Active Region capable of producing strong solar flares.

We already had two C-class events from this region today. SWPC recorded C1.6 at 13:51 UTC and C3.1 at 15:29 UTC.

A moderate solar flare reaching M1.7 peaked at 12:41 UTC on November 20, 2012. This event originated from Active Region 1611 located on northwest limb and was not Earth directed.

Meanwhile on Earth – minor geomagnetic storming

Geomagnetic storming from past solar flares reached K-index of 4. SWPC issued the following alert.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
Serial Number: 1620
Issue Time: 2012 Nov 20 2004 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 4
Threshold Reached: 2012 Nov 20 1958 UTC
Synoptic Period: 1800-2100 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora – Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Follow Sun’s activity in real time – SWS.

Featured image: Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams.