The massive eruption today near Region 4046 may have been a Two-For-One! Although X-flares are known to come with large #solarstorm launches, this one was particularly exceptional. Here is why (A thread🧵). First, the eruption was spectacularly energetic and extremely dense, as seen in this SUVI 304-195-171 composite (first image).
Upon closer inspection, it's clear the eruption dynamics were complex. A snake-like filament channel can be seen partially encircling Region 4046, with a lot of prominence material overhanging the source region just prior to the X-flare. Post eruption, this material has vanished (second and third images).
The added material meant the erupting #solarstorm was comprised of material from the eruption of Region 4046 AND a nearby filament! This is why it was so impressive. It also explains why the X-flare only caused a minor #RadioBlackout of the HF radio bands at Earth (fourth image).
This added material might also explain why the blast wave shown in imagery from @HaloCME (on TwiX) was limited to the Sun's limbs. A large portion of the material during the eruption might have originated in a portion of the filament hidden from view, behind the East limb of the Sun (fifth image).
Ultimately, whether this same filament channel refills again over the next week is a big question. If it does, it is very possible we could see another big #solarstorm launch. But this time, Region 4046 may be crossing through the Earth-Strike Zone. Guaranteed we'll be watching. I'm working on a forecast now that will go over this eruption, and the potential for more, in detail.
Dr.Tamitha Skov
The massive eruption today near Region 4046 may have been a Two-For-One! Although X-flares are known to come with large #solarstorm launches, this one was particularly exceptional. Here is why (A thread🧵). First, the eruption was spectacularly energetic and extremely dense, as seen in this SUVI 304-195-171 composite (first image).
Upon closer inspection, it's clear the eruption dynamics were complex. A snake-like filament channel can be seen partially encircling Region 4046, with a lot of prominence material overhanging the source region just prior to the X-flare. Post eruption, this material has vanished (second and third images).
The added material meant the erupting #solarstorm was comprised of material from the eruption of Region 4046 AND a nearby filament! This is why it was so impressive. It also explains why the X-flare only caused a minor #RadioBlackout of the HF radio bands at Earth (fourth image).
This added material might also explain why the blast wave shown in imagery from @HaloCME (on TwiX) was limited to the Sun's limbs. A large portion of the material during the eruption might have originated in a portion of the filament hidden from view, behind the East limb of the Sun (fifth image).
Ultimately, whether this same filament channel refills again over the next week is a big question. If it does, it is very possible we could see another big #solarstorm launch. But this time, Region 4046 may be crossing through the Earth-Strike Zone. Guaranteed we'll be watching. I'm working on a forecast now that will go over this eruption, and the potential for more, in detail.
5 months ago | [YT] | 1,412