M-class solar flares from sunspot region 2182

Thursday, 9 October 2014 15:00 UTC

Sunspot region 2182 has been on the solar disk for a few days now but only recently started to grow. It is actually not a very complex group with only a modest Beta-Gamma magnetic layout. More low-level M-class solar flares can not be excluded but based on the current imagery we think the chances for more M-class solar flares are low. This sunspot region is already rotating out of Earth's view (current location: S16W50) and any future coronal mass ejection will likely be directed away from Earth.

All other sunspot regions currently on the disk are unremarkable.

Geomagnetic conditions

Geomagentic conditions have been at active levels (Kp4) today according to the NOAA SWPC which is likely related with a solar sector boundary crossing that occurred yesterday. This brought a variable solar wind environment near Earth with favourable IMF parameters and above average solar wind density. The solar wind and IMF stats remain variable at this time so high latitutde sky watchers should be alert for possible aurora.