Multiple M- and C-class solar flares were detected on December 14, 2022, with the strongest being M4.1 at 12:31 UTC. While several coronal mass ejections were produced, none of them appears to be Earth-directed.
Solar activity reached moderate levels in 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on December 14, with four M-class flares.1
The largest was an M2.4 at 07:40 UTC from Region 3165 (S20W44, Dso/beta).
Region 3165 also produced an M1.1 flare at 11:59 UTC. There was also an M1.1 at 08:31 UTC and M1.4 at 09:27 UTC from old Region 3153.
A Type II radio sweep (925 km/s) was associated with the M1.1 and CMEs were observed associated with both M1 flares from 3153. None of them are Earth-directed.
There was an additional CME associated with a filament eruption centered near S40W30. This event was first visible in C2 imagery near 04:30 UTC.
Analysis and modeling are ongoing at the time of this writing but due to the far south latitude, this CME is not likely to have an Earth-directed component.
At 12:31 UTC, a fifth M-class solar flare — measuring M4.1 — erupted from Region 3165, thus making it the strongest solar flare over the past 24+ hours.
There are currently 9 numbered sunspot regions on the Earth side of the Sun.
Region 3163 (S20E22, Eso/beta) exhibited growth during the period and contributed to C-class activity.
Region 3167 (N20W07, Dai/beta) continued to grow and developed intermediate spots.
All remaining regions were little changed or showed some dissipation.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux remained normal to moderate over the past 24 hours and the greater than 10 MeV proton flux continued at background values.
Solar wind parameters were at nominal levels over the past 24 hours. Total IMF strength was primarily 5 – 6 nT and the Bz component underwent slight deviations. Solar wind speed decreased from 425 km/s to 350 km/s. Phi was negative.
A slow solar wind regime is anticipated to persist through December 16.
The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels over the past 24 hours. Mostly quiet conditions are expected to prevail through December 16.
Solar activity is expected to be low through December 16, with a chance for M-class flares.
1 Forecast Discussion – Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center – Issued: 2022 Dec 14 1230 UTC
