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A large sunspot region (AR1429) unleashed an X5 class flare (the second largest of this solar cycle) late on March 6, 2011. The bright flash of the flare (along with several smaller flashes) was associated with a large coronal mass ejection (CME). Simulations by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Space Weather Laboratory indicate that the leading edge of the CME will reach Earth at about 2012-03-08 06:25 UT (plus minus 7 hours) and might cause a severe/extreme geomagnetic storm. The estimated maximum Kp index is 7-9 (please note this is a rough estimate).
The composite views combine images from both of SOHO’s coronagraphs and the Sun itself in extreme ultraviolet light from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft. These video clips cover about nine hours of activity.
Credit: NASA/ESA/SOHO
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A large sunspot region (AR1429) unleashed an X5 class flare (the second largest of this solar cycle) and a smaller one (X1) late on March 6, 2012, seen in extreme ultraviolet light by the SDO spacecraft. The bright flare (with several smaller flashes) was followed by a large coronal mass ejection that smacked Earth with a moderately strong geomagnetic storm two days later. The video clips covers about five hours of activity. The elongated, vertical streak in the still is really a visual aberration caused by its brightness overwhelming our sensors. It triggered a temporary radio blackout on the sunlit side of Earth that interfered with radio navigation and short wave radio.
The close-up, pink image in the 1700 wavelength (below) clearly shows the bright, double ribbons of the flare, probably the best view we have seen of this kind if event. This image was taken at 00:59 UTC on March 7. High-resolution versions of this event in other wavelengths can be viewed and downloaded here.
Credit: NASA/GSFC/SDO
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Click to play embedded YouTube video.
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