Impulsive X1.5 solar flare erupts from geoeffective Region 3764, G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch

An impulsive solar flare measuring X1.5 erupted from geoeffective Active Region 3764 at 02:37 UTC on July 29, 2024. The event started at 02:33 and ended at 02:43 UTC. As a result of recent solar activity, a G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch is in effect.

A Type II Radio Emission with an estimated velocity of 535 km/s was detected, indicating a coronal mass ejection (CME) was associated with the flare event.

In addition, this event was associated with a 10cm Radio Burst lasting 1 minute and with a peak flux of 300 sfu. This indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10cm radio background. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

We are still waiting for coronagraph imagery but judging by the location of Region 3764 in the center of the disk, an Earth-directed CME is likely.

Radio frequencies were forecast to be most degraded over East Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Ocean.

This event follows several days of increased solar activity with multiple Earth-directed CMEs, including cannibal CME.

As a result, a G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for July 30, according to the SWPC.

Keep in mind this forecast still doesn’t take into account today’s CME, so we might be looking at prolonged geomagnetic storming in the days ahead.

The same applies to this great analysis by space weather physicist Dr. Tamita Skov, published on July 28:

Solar activity is likely to be moderate to high with a slight chance for X-class flares through July 31 due to the potential of AR 3762 and the cluster of spotted groups containing ARs 3765 and 3766.

References:

¹ Forecast Discussion – NOAA/SWPC – Issued 00:30 UTC on July 29, 2024

Featured image: X1.5 solar flare on July 29, 2024. Credit: NASA SDO/AIA 131, Helioviewer, The Watchers