Boulder, CO – A significant M5.9 solar flare was observed on Friday evening, as reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). This flare erupted at 22:22 UTC from a newly identified sunspot group currently visible on the Sun’s eastern limb.
The flare reached R2-Moderate status on the radio blackout scale, indicating its strength. Although M-class flares like this can occur during periods of heightened solar activity, they are less common than their lower-level counterparts. The event was documented in SUVI 131 Angstrom imagery from the GOES-19 satellite, showcasing a vivid burst of energy along the Sun’s eastern edge.
According to NOAA, M-class flares often exhibit an impulsive nature, typically rising and falling within a matter of minutes. However, the duration can vary based on the characteristics of the active region. Initial effects of the flare included temporary disruptions to high-frequency (HF) radio communications on the sunlit side of Earth, which may impact activities in aviation, maritime operations, and by amateur radio enthusiasts. Fortunately, most of these disturbances are brief, usually lasting only tens of minutes.
Currently, NOAA analysts are assessing available imagery to ascertain if the flare has initiated a coronal mass ejection (CME). Such an event could increase the risk of geomagnetic storms, particularly if the CME possesses south-pointing magnetic fields. No confirmation of a CME has been reported yet.
Forecasters are monitoring the situation closely and expect to provide further updates as new solar imagery and wind data become available. As the responsible sunspot group continues to rotate into full view, there is the potential for more solar activity in the upcoming days.