Friday, April 27, 2012

Latest Solar Flare Activity Update April 27 2012

Solar Update
Solar activity increased to moderate levels with an M1.0 solar flare detected Friday morning around Sunspot 1466 in the northern hemisphere. Sunspot 1465 in the south produced a minor C2.4 flare at 11:02 UTC. Sunspot 1469 located in the southeast quadrant, appears to be growing on Friday. Finally, A new region looks to be hiding on the southeast limb and will soon begin to rotate into view. There will continue to be a small chance for an isolated M-Class flare.



Sunspot Update: The region hiding on the southeast limb is now rotating into view and a Sunspot is  
Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity SDF Number 118 Issued at 2200Z on 27 Apr 2012 IA. Analysis of Solar Active Regions and Activity from 26/2100Z to 27/2100Z: Solar activity was at moderate levels due to an M1/1n flare at 27/0824Z from Region 1466 (N11W38). Other activity consisted of single, low-level C-class flares from Regions 1459 (S19W88), 1465 (S17W53), 1467 (N11E32), 1469 (S24E28) and 1466. During the period, Region 1465 developed into a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration while the remaining regions showed little change. Numerous non-Earth directed CMEs were observed off the SW limb over the past 24 hours, all originating from old Region 1462 (S25, L=139) which rotated around the west on 24 April. IB. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to be low with a slight chance for M-class activity for the next three days (28 - 30 April). IIA. Geophysical Activity Summary 26/2100Z to 27/2100Z: The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels. Through the period, ACE solar wind velocities steadily decreased from about 560 km/s to near 500km/s while the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field was variable between +/-4 nT. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels throughout the period. IIB. Geophysical Activity Forecast: The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominately quiet levels for the next three days (28 - 30 April).