M1.3 solar flare from departing sunspot region 2664
Monday, 3 July 2017 16:48 UTC
Now that is what we call a surprise! Departing sunspot region 2664 which is now behind the west limb just produced an M-class solar flare! Yes, you heard that right. It was an impulsive M1.3 solar flare that peaked at 16:15 UTC. This was the first M-class solar flare since an M5.8 solar flare that took place on 3 April. That is today exactly three months ago!
Does that mean aurora in the near future? Unfortunately not. Not only was this an impulsive event (which usually do not launch a coronal mass ejection) it was also from a region now behind the limb so no effects at Earth should be expected! Bad timing from sunspot region 2664 as it will now spend 2 weeks on the far side but it was a surprise to get an R1 radio blackout alert!
Minor R1 radio blackout in progress (≥M1 - current: M1.3) #flare
— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) July 3, 2017
Follow live on https://t.co/3Xxrvc3cpA pic.twitter.com/I1zoMuki4f
Moderately strong M1.3 solar #flare
— SpaceWeatherLive (@_SpaceWeather_) July 3, 2017
Follow live on https://t.co/3Xxrvc3cpA pic.twitter.com/gafFNefgTE
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