Updated
Updated · swpc.noaa.gov · Jun 2
AR 4455 Triggers R1 Radio Blackout With M3.3 Flare as More M-Class Activity Looms
Updated
Updated · swpc.noaa.gov · Jun 2

AR 4455 Triggers R1 Radio Blackout With M3.3 Flare as More M-Class Activity Looms

1 articles · Updated · swpc.noaa.gov · Jun 2

Summary

  • An M3.3 flare from AR 4455 peaked at 1650 UTC on June 2, driving R1 radio blackout conditions alongside other isolated M-class flares.
  • Regions 4455 near center disk and 4461 on the southeast limb produced the activity that disrupted radio communications at the minor R1 level.
  • A large eruption just beyond the eastern limb occurred at the same time, leaving forecasters uncertain whether the event launched an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection.
  • Coronagraph imagery in the coming hours will be used to determine any CME trajectory, while a high chance of additional M-class flares is expected through June 4.

Insights

What made a single sunspot unleash such a rapid series of powerful flares?
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Is the massive cost of hardening our infrastructure against rare solar storms justified?