Solar Active Region Produces Intense Solar Flare

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SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN #03- 3

2003 October 28 at 10:55 a.m. MST (2003 October 28 1755 UTC)

The dynamic solar regions reported on 21 October continue to produce high levels of solar activity. NOAA Region 486 produced a category R4 (severe) radio blackout with an associated category S3 (strong) solar radiation storm on 28 October at 1110 UTC (6:10 A.M. EST). The SOHO/LASCO instruments also observed a full halo coronal mass ejection with this activity, which is Earth directed. This region is the second largest in size this solar cycle.

As a result of this activity a category G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm is expected with periods of category G5 (extreme) levels possible. The solar radiation storm is also expected to continue at strong (G3) levels for the next 48 hours.

Further major eruptions are possible from these active regions as they rotate across the face of the sun over the next few days. Agencies impacted by solar flare radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms, and solar radiation storms may experience disruptions through this period. These include spacecraft operations, electric power systems, HF communications, and navigation systems.