Long-duration M7.3 solar flare produces possible Earth-directed CME


A long-duration M7.3 solar flare was observed on June 1, 2024, peaking at 19:39 UTC. This event, originating from Region 3697, produced an asymmetric coronal mass ejection (CME), with a possible Earth-directed component, according to SWPC.

The event was associated with a Type II (estimated velocity 681 km/s) and IV radio emissions, indicating a strong CME was produced.

This event started at around 19:03 and ended at 20:28 UTC, coinciding with a powerful far-side event which made it difficult to analyze. While preliminary SWPC analysis suggests the halo CME was associated with the aforementioned M7.2 event, other solar physics experts suggest it was produced on the farside and thus had no Earth-directed component.

The flare originated from Region 3697 (ex 3664 — beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration), which also produced three X1-class flares since May 31 — X1.1 at 22:03 UTC on May 31, X1.4 at 08:48 UTC and X1.0 at 18:36 UTC.

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M7.3 solar flare on June 1, 2024. Credit: NASA SDO/AIA 131, Helioviewer, The Watchers
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M7.3 solar flare on June 1, 2024. Credit: NASA SDO/AIA 304, Helioviewer, The Watchers
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Sunspots on June 2, 2024. Credit: NASA SDO/HMI

Growth was observed in the intermediate spot area of Region 3697 and a delta configuration persisted in the leader spot area on June 1. Region 3691 (beta-gamma) showed an overall decay trend and magnetic simplification throughout the period and produced C-class activity. Region 3698 indicated some overall growth, particularly in the leader spots. New Region 3699 (beta) was numbered yesterday and exhibited minor growth since emerging.

Solar activity is expected to continue at moderate to high levels through June 4, with occasional M-class flares (75%) and a chance for isolated X-class flare activity (35%).

The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels on June 1 and quiet to unsettled levels are expected on June 2.

“Pending modeling results for the halo CME from June 1, the forecast for June 3 and 4 is likely to be in the G1 – Minor to G3 – Strong range,” SWPC forecasters said at 00:30 UTC on June 2.

References:

1 Forecast Discussion – NOAA/SWPC – Issued at 00:30 UTC on June 2, 2024

X1.4 solar flare erupts from Region 3697

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Impulsive X1.1 solar flare erupts from Region 3697

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Long-duration X1.4 solar flare erupts from old region 3664, partial halo CME produced

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Major X2.8 solar flare erupts from old Region 3664 — now returning into Earth view

Monday, May 27, 2024

Major X2.9 flare erupts on SE limb of the Sun, signals new wave of heightened solar activity

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

X3.4+ solar flare erupts from Region 3664, solar radiation storm continues

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Major X8.7 flare erupts from Region 3664 — the strongest solar flare of Solar Cycle 25

Tuesday, May 14, 2024





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