Solar activity increased to low levels today. Region 574 (S02E56) showed significant growth in sunspot coverage and magnetic complexity since yesterday. The dominant central sunspots appear to be merging to form a small magnetic delta complex. This region produced multiple B and C-class flares throughout the period. Region 572 (N19W72) produced a C1 x-ray flare at 17/0931Z with an associated Type II radio sweep that had an estimated shock velocity of 1207 km/s. In response to this flare a CME was seen emanating from the solar northwest limb (on LASCO imagery) which does not appear to be Earth directed. Region 570 (S14W80) continues to show a slow, steady decay. Regions 575 (S18W02), 576 (S18W38), and 577 (S01E77) were numbered today.

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels. Region 574 has a small chance of producing an isolated low-level M-class flare.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron fluxes at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels today.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels.

  Observed       17 Mar 110
  Predicted   18 Mar-20 Mar  115/110/105
  90 Day Mean        17 Mar 112

  Observed Afr/Ap 16 Mar  006/008
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 17 Mar  005/007
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 18 Mar-20 Mar  005/008-005/008-008/015