[LeArc] More Flares And HUGH Sunspots Observed

[Duane Whittingham]

THEY'RE BAAACK!

       Power-house sunspot Regions 10486 (currently the record-holder
for producing the largest solar x-ray flare in recorded history) and
10488 (another X-class producing spot complex) are returning to the
eastern solar limb.

       Later today (and possibly tommorrow as well), these regions
will be renumbered. For now, we will refer to their old designations:
10486 and 10488 (or simply, 486 and 488).

       Region 488 (which led Region 486 by roughly one day) has
appeared as a very large sunspot complex with a large penumbral mass.
Size often matters when dealing with large solar flares. Region 486
is not yet visible, but a large solar flare behind the limb of the
Sun where Region 486 should be, was observed a few hours ago. An
impressive loop prominence system (LPS) was observed in h-alpha from
this location. Major solar flare activity is now considered possible
given the strength of this current limb event.

       Region 501 (formerly known as Region 484 last month) has also
increased in activity over the last 48 hours, producing numerous
smaller (but significant) M-class flares. An event on 17 November was
associated with a coronal mass ejection that is directed at least
partially Earthward. Impact of that disturbance could happen near the
mid UTC hours of 19 November (as early as tonight for eastern North
Americans). Its arrival could herald enhanced levels of auroral
activity for many dark-sky middle latitude observers.

       Region 501 also produced a second influential solar flare a few
hours ago (just prior to the large solar flare on the eastern limb)
that will almost certainly help prolong auroral activity into 21
November when the associated coronal mass ejection reaches the Earth.


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Duane Whittingham (N9SSN) - Producer
Tom and Darryl Radio Shows & Saturday Morning Confusion
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