M1.8 solar flare

Monday, 28 December 2015 13:29 UTC

This resulted in a long duration M1.8 solar flare that peaked at 12:45 UTC.

Moderately strong M1.86 solar #flare from #sunspot region 12473 - Follow live on https://t.co/XHATH0OOfT pic.twitter.com/xmAsFZbAZR

— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) 28 december 2015

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2015 Dec 28 1146 UTC
Maximum Time: 2015 Dec 28 1206 UTC
End Time: 2015 Dec 28 1231 UTC
Duration: 45 minutes
Peak Flux: 370 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 110 sfu

ALERT: Type IV Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2015 Dec 28 1146 UTC

SDO difference imagery from the SIDC shows us that this is an eruptive event:

This means that it will likely launch a coronal mass ejection towards Earth as sunspot region 2473 is in an excellent earth-facing position. STEREO A confirms that it launched a coronal mass ejection but we need coronagraph imagery from SOHO to determine if it will come towards us (which seems likely right now) and how fast the plasma cloud is traveling so we can determine when it might arrive. More information will of course be provided when we can.

Animation: latest STEREO A imagery confirms the launch of a coronal mass ejection.