·

Strong M4.7 solar flare erupts from Region 2473

strong-m4-7-solar-flare-erupts-from-region-2473

A moderately strong solar flare measuring M4.7 at its peak erupted from Region 2473 at 00:40 UTC on December 23, 2015. The event started at 00:23 and ended at 00:52 UTC. 

A Type II radio sweep with estimated velocity of 1318 km/s as well as a Type IV radio sweep were associated with the event.  Type IV emissions occur in association with major eruptions on the Sun and are typically associated with strong Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and solar radiation storms. 

Additionally, a 10cm Radio Burst lasting 1 minute with peak flux of 140 sfu was associated with the event. 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.

Coronagraph imagery is still not available to confirm the CME production. However, due to region's location Earth-directed CME is unlikely.

This region has 'beta-gamma' magnetic configuration and is capable of producing more strong eruptions on the Sun. It is now rotating toward the center of the disk making Earth-directed CMEs possible in the days ahead.

SWPC alerts

Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
Serial Number: 1035
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 23 0117 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2015 Dec 23 0036 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 1318 km/s

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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.

***

Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
Serial Number: 679
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 23 0108 UTC

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2015 Dec 23 0057 UTC
Maximum Time: 2015 Dec 23 0057 UTC
End Time: 2015 Dec 23 0058 UTC
Duration: 1 minutes
Peak Flux: 140 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 130 sfu

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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.

***

Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP4
Serial Number: 521
Issue Time: 2015 Dec 23 0105 UTC

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2015 Dec 23 0039 UTC

NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation

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.

Featured image credit: NASA SDO/AIA 131

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 *