Region 2497 produces M1.0 solar flare

'Beta-Gamma-Delta' classified Active Region 2497 produced an M1.0 solar flare at 19:26 UTC on February 14, 2016. The event started at 19:18 and ended at 19:29 UTC.

After M1.0 at 10:47 UTC on February 12 and M1.8 at 15:24 UTC on February 13, this is the third M-class solar flare produced by this region over the last couple of days. The region was also responsible for numerous C-class flares.

There were no signatures that would suggest a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) was produced by today's event. However, this region erupted with a long duration C8.9 solar flare on February 11 and produced an asymmetric partial-halo CME with an Earth-directed component. The CME is expected to arrive late February 14 or early February 15.

Region 2497 is exhibiting slight growth and consolidation, particularly in its larger intermediate spots. It is rotating toward the west limb and will soon start its farside rotation.

Sunspots on February 14, 2016. Image credit: NASA SDO/HMI

2494 – Alpha
2497 – Beta-Gamma-Delta
2500 – Beta

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels with a chance for M-class flares (R1 – R1, Minor – Moderate) over the next three days (February 14 – 16) due primarily to the flare potential from Region 2497.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels until late February 14 when minor storm levels (G1 – Minor) are likely to accompany the onset of the February 11th CME. Minor storm levels (G1 – Minor) are likely to persist into February 15 as the CME effects persist. CME effects are expected to subside to quiet to active levels as February 16 progresses.

Featured image: NASA SDO/AIA 304 at 19:27 UTC on February 14, 2016.