Solar activity has been at active levels over the last 24 hours. 11 C- and 2 M-class flares were recorded, which nearly all originated in the mixed polarity region near NOAA 1967’s main spot. The strongest was an M2-flare peaking at 06:39UT. Of note was also a long duration C7-flare starting at
14:11UT and ending at 16:36UT. So far, this LDE was the most energetic in terms of NOAA 1967’s integrated flare flux history. NOAA 1968 was the only other active region being able to produce a C-flare (C3 peaking at 04:46UT). The x-ray background has been all day above the C1-level.

Active conditions are expected to continue, with a slight chance on an X-class flare.  The CMEs associated with NOAA 1967’s flaring activity were directed to the East and away from Earth. A faint halo CME was observed early on 29 January. Though it may be related to the frontside filament eruption event
early on 29 January (trailing NOAA 1960 and 1959), it may also be related to a backside event that took place about an hour earlier (late 28 January, around 22:50UT) in the same line of sight. Most recent, but incomplete STEREO-A data now seem to favor the latter scenario. Earth is exiting the high speed wind stream. Solar wind has returned to average conditions, with a speed near 350 km/s and Bz fluctuating between -5 and +5 nT. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet.

Solar wind may continue to be modulated by the effects of small coronal holes that have passed the central meridian on 27 and 29 January. Quiet geomagnetic conditions are expected. Late on 1 February, any effects of the 29 January frontside CME may drive local geomagnetic conditions to isolated
active levels. Otherwise, quiet conditions should persist.
SIDC

Equipment: Coronado 90 +  Imaging Source DMK  + LX75
Processing: Photoshop, Avistack 500 frames
Date: 01/30/14
Time UT: 19:00
Exposure 1/500 sec.

With SPONLI Space is getting closer!