STD: Major Solar Flare Warning

[Peter Kuklok]

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

POTENTIAL MAJOR SOLAR FLARE WARNING

ISSUED: 02:50 UTC, 16 AUGUST 2002

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

SYNOPSIS:

Active sunspot complex 10069 appears to becoming increasingly capable of
producing major levels of energetic solar activity. Recent fairly substantial
new flux has emerged in the spot complex over the last 24 hours -
particularly in the northern section of the group. A very strong delta
configuration exists through the mid-section of the spot complex along a
northwest to southeast oriented neutral line. Strong gradients and moderate
transverse magnetic shear exists within the spot complex.

We believe a major X-class solar x-ray flare is now possible at any time
from this spot complex, which is now over 1400 millionths in size. A moderate
to strong energetic proton event along with a possible high velocity coronal
mass ejection is also possible in association with energetic activity from
this region.

** End of Warning **