Viewing archive of Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Solar activity report

Any mentioned solar flare in this report has a scaling factor applied by the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Because of the SWPC scaling factor, solar flares are reported as 42% smaller than for the science quality data. The scaling factor has been removed from our archived solar flare data to reflect the true physical units.
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 2001 May 16 2200 UTC
Prepared by the NOAA © SWPC and processed by SpaceWeatherLive.com

Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity

SDF Number 136 Issued at 2200Z on 16 May 2001

IA. Analysis of Solar Active Regions and Activity from 15-2100Z to 16-2100Z

Solar activity remained at moderate levels. Region 9455 (S17W52) produced an M1/Sf flare at 16/1042 UTC as well as isolated C-class subflares. Minor development was reported in the interior portion of this region, where a mild mix of polarities has persisted. Region 9454 (N13W08) also displayed a small degree of magnetic complexity, but was stable through the period. Region 9458 (S12W72) produced a C2/Sf flare at 16/1550 UTC as it approached the west limb. This flare was associated with a Type II radio sweep and a CME, which did not appear to be Earth-directed. Region 9461 (N16E63), which was the return of old Region 9433 (responsible for major flares during it previous two rotations), was relatively stable during the period. At present it is classed as a simple D-type group, but it is still too close to the east limb for a detailed analysis. No new regions were assigned.
IB. Solar Activity Forecast
Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels with a fair chance for an isolated M-class flare from Region 9455. There is also a slight chance for an isolated M-class flare from Region 9454. At present, it is difficult to gauge the flare potential of Region 9461, given its proximity to the east limb. However, given its rich history of flare production, it cannot be counted out as a source for energetic flare activity.
IIA. Geophysical Activity Summary 15-2100Z to 16-2100Z
Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to unsettled levels. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during the period.
IIB. Geophysical Activity Forecast
The geomagnetic field is expected to be at mostly quiet to unsettled levels with a chance for active periods at high latitudes. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux may reach high levels during the first half of the forecast period.
III. Event Probabilities 17 May to 19 May
Class M40%40%40%
Class X05%05%05%
Proton05%05%05%
PCAFgreen
IV. Penticton 10.7 cm Flux
  Observed       16 May 138
  Predicted   17 May-19 May  145/150/155
  90 Day Mean        16 May 167
V. Geomagnetic A Indices
  Observed Afr/Ap 15 May  010/016
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 16 May  012/015
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 17 May-19 May  012/020-012/020-010/015
VI. Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 17 May to 19 May
A. Middle Latitudes
Active30%30%20%
Minor storm10%10%05%
Major-severe storm01%01%01%
B. High Latitudes
Active35%35%25%
Minor storm15%15%10%
Major-severe storm01%01%01%

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