Impulsive solar flare measuring M2.3 erupts

Impulsive solar flare reaching M2.3 at its peak time erupted on September 23, 2014. The event started at 23:03, peaked at 23:16 and ended at 23:28 UTC.

The source was Active Region 2172 (beta-gamma) located in the southeast quadrant.

The event was associated with 250 sfu Tenflare along with Type II (est. speed 652 km/s) and Type IV radio sweeps. Further analysis will be completed as imagery comes in to determine if there is a CME associated with this event. If it was, an Earth directed component is possible.

This region already produced several B and C-class solar flares since it rotated into view a couple of days ago. This was its strongest flare since then.

NOAA SWPC forecasters estimate 30% chance for M-class and 05% chance for X-class solar flare in the next two days.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP4
Serial Number: 479
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 23 2359 UTC

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2014 Sep 23 2340 UTC
Description: Type IV emissions occur in association with major eruptions on the sun and are typically associated with strong coronal mass ejections and solar radiation storms.

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Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
Serial Number: 629
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 23 2350 UTC

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2014 Sep 23 2307 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Sep 23 2309 UTC
End Time: 2014 Sep 23 2312 UTC
Duration: 5 minutes
Peak Flux: 250 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 138 sfu
Description: A 10cm radio burst indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10cm radio background. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

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Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
Serial Number: 962
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 23 2349 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2014 Sep 23 2314 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 652 km/s
Description: Type II emissions occur in association with eruptions on the sun and typically indicate a coronal mass ejection is associated with a flare event.

Sunspots

There are currently 6 numbered sunspot regions on the disk. AR2172 continues to grow and has a potential to produce strong eruptions. Due to its location Earth directed CMEs are possible in the coming days. 

Other spotted regions are inactive and unremarkable.

Sunspots on September 24, 2014. Image credit: NASA SDO / HMI

2169 – Alpha
2170 – Alpha
2171 – Beta
2172 – Beta-Gamma
2173 – Alpha
2174 – Alpha

Old active regions 2161 and 2162 are due to return in the next two days.

Solar wind and geomagnetic field

Earth is under the influence of a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) and solar wind parameters are expected to reflect its continued influence through September 24 – 25. A decrease in wind speeds and nominal conditions is expected on September 26.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled, with a chance for active periods (below G1-Minor) for the next two days (September 24 – 25) due to CH HSS effects. Mostly quiet conditions are forecast on September 26. (SWPC)

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Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
Serial Number: 916
Issue Time: 2014 Sep 24 0327 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2014 Sep 24 0330 UTC
Valid To: 2014 Sep 24 1000 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 – Minor

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/NOAAscales

Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents – Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft – Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora – Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

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Featured image: NASA SDO / AIA 304 on September 23, 2014 at 23:13 UTC.