Two strong M-class solar flares

Sunday, 2 October 2022 16:13 UTC

Two strong M-class solar flares

We are not seeing much yet of the anticipated geomagnetic storming conditions but our Sun is really doing its best to distract us from that fact. Solar activity is elevated with two sunspot regions stepping into the spotlight. Sunspot region 3110 and 3112 are producing multiple M-class solar flares every day. Two of these solar flares which took place during the past 24 hours peaked above the M5 (R2-moderate) threshold.

It was sunspot region 3110 which was responsible for these solar flares which peaked at M5.8 (20:10 UTC) and M8.7 (02:21 UTC) respectively. Sunspot region 3110 is impressive but has thus far produced one M2 event and three M1 events but is a sunspot region to keep an eye on as it starts to rotate into an earth-facing position. None of the coronal mass ejections observed the past 24 hours seem to have an earth-directed component. The M5 and M8 event did produce nice eruptions but the coronal mass ejections are very narrow and not aimed at Earth.

Coronal mass ejection launched by the M5.8 solar flare (20:10 UTC) as seen by SOHO/LASCO C2.
Coronal mass ejection launched by the M5.8 solar flare (20:10 UTC) as seen by SOHO/LASCO C2.
Coronal mass ejection launched by the M8.7 solar flare (02:21 UTC) as seen by SOHO/LASCO C2.
Coronal mass ejection launched by the M8.7 solar flare (02:21 UTC) as seen by SOHO/LASCO C2.

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