Strong M9.9 solar flare erupted from AR 1936

strong-m9-9-solar-flare-erupted-from-ar-1936

At 18:52 UTC today (January 1, 2014) strong solar flare measuring M9.9 erupted from Region 1936. R2 Moderate solar radiation storm was reported: area of impact centered primarily on sub-solar point on the sunlit side of Earth, limited blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication for tens of minutes.

During those conditions passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to elevated radiation risk. Other frequencies may also be affected. Small effects on HF propagation through the polar regions and navigation at polar cap locations possibly affected.

Update: January 2, 2014 at 22:30 UTC: 

CME from yesterdays strong M9.9 flare (AR 1936) is not expected to significantly impact the Earth's geomagnetic field. Region 1936 showed signs of decay in its intermediate and follower spot groups. See also: Minor geomagnetic storming, first auroras of 2014 – moderate solar activity to continue [Jan 2]

Image credit: NOAA SWPC / NASA SDO AIA / EVE SAM. Edit: The Watchers

Space Weather Message Code: SUMXM5
Serial Number: 110
Issue Time: 2014 Jan 01 1915 UTC

SUMMARY: X-ray Event exceeded M5
Begin Time: 2014 Jan 01 1840 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Jan 01 1852 UTC
End Time: 2014 Jan 01 1903 UTC
X-ray Class: M9.9
Optical Class: 2b
Location: S14W47
NOAA Scale: R2 – Moderate
Potential Impacts: Area of impact centered primarily on sub-solar point on the sunlit side of Earth.
Radio – Limited blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication for tens of minutes.

Sunspots on January 1, 2014. Image credit: NASA SDO HMI

1931 S14W0* 290 130 2 HAX 1 A
1934 S16W83 272 80 11 EAC 5 BGD
1936 S16W36 225 280 14 EAC 36 BGD
1937 S12W09 198 10 4 BXO 3 B
1938 S09E09 179 30 2 HAX 3 A
1940 S12W44 233 20 4 DRO 4 B
1941 S13W22 211 30 4 DRO 3 B
1942 N10E62 127 20 1 HRX 1 A
1943 S11E67 122 20 1 CRO 1 B

"Region 1936 showed signs of intermediate spot growth and consolidation. Region 1940 (S12W51, Dao/beta) showed leader development and was responsible for multiple low level C-class flares throughout the period. Region 1938 (S09E02, Dao/beta) displayed growth in its follower spots and was responsible for an isolated C-flare early in the reporting period. Region 1941 (S13W29, Dao/beta-gamma) showed signs of intermediate spot development and increased magnetic complexity. The other two numbered sunspot groups showed an overall trend of slight growth." (SWPC)

More information about this event will be posted once analysis is complete.

On December 29 the same region responsible for today's M9.9 solar flare erupted with M3.1 at 07:56 UTC. On December 31 at 21:58 UTC the same region erupted with moderately strong M6.4 solar flare.

Featured image: NASA SDO / AIA 304

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One Comment

  1. NASA scientists are making fun of themselves just two days ago they claimed the sun entered the period of solar minimum. Our star is a variable star like all stars. It is time to revise our physics laws. We owe it to future generations.Just imagine what mankind can achieve with correct physics laws

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