Long Duration M1.8 Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection (12/28/2015)
Attached is video courtesy of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) capturing a long duration M1.8 solar flare around region 2473 earlier today peaking at 12:45 UTC. The event was associated with a Type IV radio emission, along with a 10cm Radio Burst (TenFlare) lasting 45 minutes and measuring 370 solar flux units (SFU). A partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME) became visible soon after in the latest coronagraph imagery courtesy of LASCO C2 and C3 (also in video). Most of the plasma appears to be directed to the south and west, although a weaker Earth directed component may be possible. Low energy protons streaming past our planet is currently at enhanced levels, but well below the minor (S1) radiation storm threshold for now. An early CME tracking model via the Goddard Space Flight Center shows a possible impact by late Dec 31st. This is likely not fully accurate however. More updates to follow via the SolarHam website once additional data and tracking models become available.