M2.0 and M2.6 solar flares with full halo CME

Sunday, 21 June 2015 06:50 UTC

Video: the M2.0/M2.6 solar flares as seen by SDO in the 193 Angstrom wavelength. 

 Animation: SDO/AIA 211A difference animation from the SIDC showing significant coronal dimming follow the flares.

While this solar flare was again not very strong when you consider the raw power that X-class solar flares bring to the table, this event was again eruptive and SDO difference imagery showed some significant coronal dimming following the flare. What this tells us is that a coronal mass ejection was to be expected.

A quick look at the most recent SOHO/LASCO imagery is confirming our suspicion and the beginning of a symmetrical (!) full halo coronal mass ejection is now visible. An earth-directed component is pretty much certain. Possible impact time and expected geomagnetic effects will be determined later when more imagery becomes available. Keep an eye on the website for a thorough analysis when more imagery becomes available.

Image: SOHO/LASCO difference image by NASA showing the the beginning of a symmetrical (!) full halo coronal mass ejection.

NOAA SWPC alerts

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2015 Jun 21 0224 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2015 Jun 21 0224 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 682 km/s

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2015 Jun 21 0207 UTC
Maximum Time: 2015 Jun 21 0226 UTC
End Time: 2015 Jun 21 0314 UTC
Duration: 67 minutes
Peak Flux: 409 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 135 sfu