MAJOR SOLAR FLARE ALERT
Issued: 06:50 UTC, 22 July 2004
Solar Terrestrial Dispatch
www.spacew.com
Synopsis:
A major solar flare erupted from Region 10652 at 00:32 UTC on 22 July. The
event reached an x-ray class M9.1. There were no Type II sweep frequency
events reported, although it is possible the signature may have been obscured
by broadband radio noise prior to and during the event.
A coronal mass ejection has been detected in LASCO C3 imagery, although the
mass appears to be dominantly (perhaps entirely) directed south of the
ecliptic. Without more compelling evidence, we are inclined to believe that
this event probably will not be geoeffective.
Region 10652 continues to evolve. It is now over 2010 millionths in size and
is continuing to grow. The magnetic structure of this region remains a
beta-gamma-delta. Negative polarity magnetic flux has been emerging and
impinging on an area of positive flux in the south-central region of the spot
complex. This was the location of todays major solar flare. Another area of
concern is in the north-central area, where magnetic shear has been
increasing over the last 24 hours. Within the last few hours, new opposite
polarity flux has begun emerging near the head of the leader spot. Should
development there persist (which is unlikely), additional instability may be
introduced.
Additional major solar flares are expected from this spot complex over the
coming days. Ensuing associated coronal mass ejection activity could prove to
be geoeffective.
** End of Alert **