M2.1 and M1.4 solar flares from a sunspot region behind the limb

Thursday, 11 September 2014 21:34 UTC

The solar flares were impulsive in nature (short duration) and will likely not produce a Coronal Mass Ejection. Even if it does release a CME it will be directed away from Earth as the solar flare occured behind the eastern limb. STEREO footage reveals that this group might be the return of old sunspot region 2146.

Everyone's focus of course remains on sunspot regions 2157 and 2158 who are directly facing Earth. Both regions seem to slowly decay but both regions remain capable of producing an isolated M-class event. However, it does seem that there might be a new region coming in that could continue the high solar activity even when sunspot regions 2157 and 2158 disappear.

NOAA SWPC alerts from the M2 solar flare

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2014 Sep 11 1523 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Sep 11 1523 UTC
End Time: 2014 Sep 11 1525 UTC
Duration: 2 minutes
Peak Flux: 210 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 160 sfu