Big (X5 level) Flare and CME Erupts (March 7, 2012)

A large sunspot region (AR1429) unleashed an X5 class flare (the second largest of this solar cycle) late on March 6, 2012. The bright flash of the flare (along with several smaller flashes) was associated with a large coronal mass ejection (CME). Simulations by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Space Weather Laboratory indicate that the leading edge of the CME will reach Earth at about 2012-03-08 06:25 UT (plus minus 7 hours) and might cause a severe/extreme geomagnetic storm. The estimated maximum Kp index is 7-9 (please note this is a rough estimate).

The composite views combine images from both of SOHO’s coronagraphs and the Sun itself in extreme ultraviolet light from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft. These video clips cover about nine hours of activity.

LINKS
Animation from the NASA GSFC, Space Weather Laboratory
NASA News Release Second Biggest Flare Of the Solar Cycle

SOHO began its Weekly Pick some time after sending a weekly image or video clip to the American Museum of Natural History (Rose Center) in New York City. There, the SOHO Weekly Pick is displayed with some annotations on a large plasma display.

If your institution would also like to receive the same Weekly Pick from us for display (usually in Photoshop or QuickTime format), please send your inquiry to steele.hill@gsfc.nasa.gov.