New Delhi: An X1.8 flare erupted from the Sun on 4 November at 17:34 hours UTC, causing a strong radio burst. This is the first X-class flare, the highest
category of solar flares since a pair of X-class eruptions from the same source back in June. The X-class flare originated from an active region or sunspot cluster that grew in size and complexity on the far side of the Sun, away from the view of the Earth, which has now rotated into view. The sunspot cluster is designated as Active Region 4274 by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or Sunspot Group 687 by the Solar Influences Data Analysis Centre (SIDC), operated by the Royal Observatory of Belgium.
There is an associated fast coronal mass ejection (CME). According to analysis by the NOAA, “The associated partial halo CME has been modelled with a velocity between 700-800 km/s. Based on its position in the NE, the bulk of the ejecta is likely to pass behind Earth but model analysis will confirm when it becomes available. The Region continues to exhibit sheer across its intermediate region producing a complicated magnetic field. It has been the primary producer of most of the flare activity throughout the period.”
Space Weather Forecast
According to the forecast by the SIDC, “Further M-class flaring can be expected from this region with a chance for another X-class flare.” According to analysis by the UK Met Office, “There has been continued growth of the sunspot, particularly in its trailing region and evidence of a complex magnetic configuration in the northwest portion of the main lead spot.” According to the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre, “A northeast-directed CME was observed, visible in LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery from 04/1736UT. This CME is considered to be associated with the aforementioned X1.8 flare from AR4274. Modelling indicates this CME does not contain a significant Earth-directed component.
