Solar activity increased to moderate levels today. Region 715 (N04E61) produced the largest flare of the period, an M2 x-ray flare that occurred at 29/1627Z. An associated Tenflare (510 sfu) and a spectral Type II radio sweep with an estimated shock velocity of 411 km/s. This flare also produced a CME that does appear to be Earth directed. Several lesser C-class flares were also reported from this region during the period. The large asymmetrical sunspot contains both polarities and appears to be magnetically complex. Region 713 (S09W91) produced an M1 x-ray flare that occurred at 29/1920Z. Multiple lesser C-class flares originated from this region and the sunspot cluster was in a growth phase as the spot group transited the solar west limb. No new regions were numbered today.

Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels. Region 715 is capable of producing isolated M-class flare activity.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels. The elevated conditions were most likely the result of the geoeffective transequatorial high speed coronal hole stream that had a mean radial speed today of approximately 430km/s. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels today.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet to unsettled levels throughout the period. Isolated active conditions early on the first day (30 Dec) of the period are possible as the coronal hole rotates out of geoeffective position.

  Observed       29 Dec 099
  Predicted   30 Dec-01 Jan  100/100/105
  90 Day Mean        29 Dec 105

  Observed Afr/Ap 28 Dec  012/016
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 29 Dec  018/022
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 30 Dec-01 Jan  008/008-008/008-008/008