Solar activity was at moderate levels. Region 9289 (S08E64) produced an M4/1f at 27/1544 UTC. This region also produced several mid-level C-class flares throughout the day, as did Region 9283 (S11E11), which is now exhibiting a somewhat more complex magnetic configuration that may indicate emergence of two bipolar subgroups in close proximity within the active region. Meanwhile, Region 9280 (N10W31) has diminished in activity, areal coverage and spot count, and Region 9289 has replaced it as the largest group on the disk (330 millionths, in a Dao-beta configuration). Other activity observed this period included a weak Type II radio sweep at 27/0347 UTC. SOHO/LASCO imagery suggests the source to be a CME event from behind the west limb, which does not appear earth-directed. New Region 9290 (N30E31) was numbered today.

Solar activity is expected to be low to moderate. A somewhat increased chance for isolated M-class activity is expected for regions 9283 and 9289.

The geomagnetic field has been at quiet to unsettled levels.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled for the next three days, barring an earth-directed CME event.

  Observed       27 Dec 188
  Predicted   28 Dec-30 Dec  190/185/180
  90 Day Mean        27 Dec 174

  Observed Afr/Ap 26 Dec  004/004
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 27 Dec  006/007
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 28 Dec-30 Dec  005/010-005/010-005/010