HELIOS no. 66       03.Feb. 2002

This Helios Newsletter continues a series newsletters under the same name as above and that were issued as the newsletter of the Solar Section of the Norwegian Astronomical Society.  Helios no. 1 was issued on 2nd May 1979 and ended almost simultaneously as I resigned as the leader of that section, i.e. in August 1989.   Now I bring it to life again, started where I left it. 
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Solar Cycle Preogress & Sunspot Numbers (RI) previous cycles

From SESC/PRFs:  SWO PRF 1375

Extracts from Preliminary Report and Forecast, SEL, Boulder, CO. USA:

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1360
17 September - 23 September 2001 25 September 2001
Solar activity reached high levels for the third consecutive week.
The period began with activity at high levels due to an M8/1n flare at 17/1550 UTC from Region 9608 (S27, L = 109, Fkc/1110 on
10 September). Region 9608 was large, magnetically complex, and in a gradual decay phase at the time of the flare. This region
also produced isolated low-level M-class flares until it rotated out of view on 18 September. Activity varied from low to moderate
levels during the rest of the period due to isolated C- and M-class flares from a number of active regions (for flare specifics, please
refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists). Active regions of note included Region 9628 (S18, L = 293, class/area
Fkc/800 on 20 September) and Region 9632 (S18, L = 273, class/area Dki/780 on 23 September). Both regions were large and magnetically
complex with magnetic delta configurations within their trailer spots. Both regions produced isolated C- and M-class flares during the period.
Region 9628 appeared to be the return of old 9591, which had a history of major flare production. (Note: Regions 9628 and 9632 each produced
a major flare after the close of the highlights period.

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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1361
24 September - 30 September 2001 02 October 2001
Solar activity reached high levels for the fourth consecutive week.
The period began with activity at high levels due to an X2/2b flare at 24/1038 UTC from Region 9632 (S18, L = 272, class/area Dki/790 on
24 September) associated with a 7500 SFU Tenflare, a Type IV radio sweep, a fast full-halo CME, and a solar proton event (see the description
below). This region was large and magnetically complex through the period. It began to gradually decay on 29 September and was approaching the west
limb as the period ended. Activity remained high on 25 September due to an M7/1n flare at 25/1027 UTC from Region 9628 (S18, L = 292, class/area
Fkc/880 on 25 September) associated with a Type II radio sweep. This region also produced isolated, low-level M-class flares during the period (for
flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flare lists). Region 9628 began to gradually decay on 29 September, though it
remained large and magnetically complex as it began crossing the west limb at the close of the period. Region 9636 (N14, L = 227, class/area
Eai/400 on 26 September), a moderately complex, reversed-polarity sunspot group; produced isolated M-class flares during the period including a
long-duration M3/2n flare at 28/0830 UTC associated with Type II and IV radio sweeps and a partial-halo CME. The daily (Penticton) 10.7 cm
solar radio flux readings of 279 sfu on 24 September and 283 sfu on 26 September were the highest observed since the start of Cycle 23.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1362
01 - 07 October 2001 09 October 2001
Solar activity reached high levels for the fifth consecutive week. The
period began with activity at high levels due to an M9 X-ray flare at 01/0515 UTC. The flare site was near the southwest limb in the vicinity of Region 9628 (S18, L = 292, class/area Fkc/880 on 24 September), which was crossing the west limb at the time of the flare. This region was large and magnetically complex throughout its passage. The same was true of Region 9632 (S19, L = 272, class/area Dki/790 on 24 September),
which rotated out of view on 02 October. Both regions had a history of isolated major flare production. With the departure of these regions, activity dropped to mostly low levels. However, isolated low-level, optically uncorrelated M-class flares occurred on 02 and 06 October (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists). By the close of the period, the disk was populated by mostly small, simply-structured sunspot regions.
Solar Wind data were available from the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft for most of the period. SWEPAM data (speed, density, and temperature) were unreliable during 02/0130 - 1300 UTC due to proton contamination. Multiple CME passages occurred during 01 - 04 October. The most significant effects occurred on 03 October with velocities as high as 600 km/sec along with a sustained period of southward IMF Bz with maximum deflections to minus 23 nT (GSM). CME effects subsided during the latter half of 04 October.
A greater than 10 MeV proton event was associated with the M9 X-ray flare of 01 October. The
greater than 10 MeV flux began to increase at around 01/1145 UTC, then reached a peak of 2360 pfu at 02/0810 UTC. The event ended at 05/0330 UTC, but fluxes remained enhanced for the rest of the period.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1363
08 - 14 October 2001 16 October 2001
Solar activity was at moderate levels due to a single M-class event during the period. Region 9653 (S22, L = 083, class/area Dkc/220 on 09 October) produced an M1/2f event at 09/1113 UTC. This event had associated Type II (velocity est. 504 km/s) and Type IV radio sweeps. A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) also accompanied this event, as seen by LASCO imagery. The only other region of note during the period, was Region 9661 (N15, L = 358, class/area Dko/670 on 14 October). This sunspot group was the largest and most active region during the period, with the exception of the above mentioned M1/2f event. Region 9661 maintained a relatively large and moderately complex magnetic classification (Beta-delta) since its arrival on the disc on 10 October. During the majority of the period, only isolated small C-class events were reported (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists).
Solar Wind data were available from the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft for most of the period. A CME passage, from the 09/1113 UTC M1/2f event, occurred on 11 October. The initial shock created an increase in solar wind speed of approximately 150 km/sec. Velocities as high as 600 km/sec were reported along with a short period of southward IMF Bz with maximum deflections to minus 20 nT (GSM). CME effects subsided during the latter half of 12 October.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1364
15 - 21 October 2001 23 October 2001
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity reached high levels on 19 October due to three major solar flares. Activity was mostly low through 18 October with isolated C-class flares, but increased to moderate levels on 17 October due to an isolated M-class flare from Region 9658 (S14, L = 024, class/area Fao/230 on 19 October) (for flare details, please refer to the Energetic Events and Flares lists). Region 9658 was moderate in size and magnetic complexity, but in a gradual decay phase during 15 - 16 October. However, the region showed increased magnetic complexity on 17 October to include a short-lived magnetic delta configuration within its trailer spots. It appeared to stabilize on 18 October, but remained moderately complex. It began to gradually decay on 20 October and was crossing the west limb as the period ended. Activity rose to high levels on 19 October due to three major flares from Regions 9658 and 9661 (N15, L = 357, Ekc/800 on 16 October). The first was an X1/2b at 19/0105 UTC from Region 9661 associated with a 1400 sfu Tenflare, Type II and IV radio sweeps, and an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). Region 9661 also produced an X1/2b at 19/1630 UTC associated with a 950 sfu Tenflare, Type II and IV radio sweeps, a loop-prominence system and a Earth-directed CME. Region 9658 was responsible for the third major flare of the day: an M5/1b at 19/0943 UTC associated with a 370 sfu Tenflare. Region 9661 gradually developed through 17 October, then appeared to stabilize on 18 October as a large, magnetically complex spot group with strong magnetic field gradients and a magnetic delta configuration within the trailer portion of the region. Activity decreased to low levels on 20 October as Regions 9658 and 9661 began to gradually decay. Activity became moderate on 21 October due to an M2/2n flare from Region 9661, which remained in a gradual decay phase. Another sunspot group of interest was Region 9672 (S20, L = 269, Dko/330 on 21 October), which produced isolated C-class subflares as it gradually developed.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1365
22 - 28 October 2001 30 October 2001
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Region 9672 (S18, L=268, class/area Dki/590 on 26 October) produced four major flares during 22 - 23 and 25 October: an M6/2n at 22/1508 UTC, an X1/2b at 22/1759 UTC, an M6/1b at 23/0223 UTC, and an X1/2b at 25/1502 UTC. All but the M6 at 23/0223 UTC were associated with Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CME). Region 9672 was large and magnetically complex. It showed gradual development through 24 October to include the formation of a strong magnetic delta configuration in its leader spot. It ceased to grow on 25 October, but remained large and magnetically complex and produced isolated C-class and low-level M-class flares until it began to cross the west limb as the period ended. Region 9678 (N08, L = 221, class/area Ekc/680 on 26 October) produced isolated C-class flares and a low-level M-class flare during 24 - 26 October as it underwent a rapid growth phase (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists). This large, moderately complex region began to gradually
decay on 27 October. Region 9682 (N11, l = 170, class/area Eki/990 on 27 October) produced occasional C-class and isolated M-class flares during the latter half of the period as it grew in spot count, area, and magnetic complexity. At the close of the period it was large and magnetically complex with a magnetic delta configuration within its large leading spot mass. Other regions of interest included 9658 (S14, L = 024, class/area Fao/230 on 19 October) and 9661 (N15, L = 357, class/area Ekc/800 on 16 October). Each region had a history of isolated major flare production. Both were gradually decaying as they rotated out of view early in the period.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1366
29 October - 04 November 2001 06 November 2001
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Region 9684 (N06, L=136, class/area, Ekc/550 on 04 November) produced a major flare, an X1/3b on 04/1620 UTC. A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME), a Type II radio sweep (1329 km/sec), and a Type IV radio sweep were associated with this event. Region 9684 decayed slightly on the first day of the period then remained relatively unchanged until the last day when it, grew in area coverage, increased its spot count, and produced the major flare mentioned above. This region also developed a magnetic configuration of beta-gamma-delta, as the leader and trailer spots merged on 04 November. Region 9672 (S18, L=268, class/area Dki/590 on 26 October) produced a minor M-class flare on 29 October then rotated beyond the west limb on 30 October (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists). Region 9678 (N07, L=221, area/class 680/Ekc on 26 October) produced an isolated minor M-class flare on 01 November and was in gradual decay from the beginning of the period until it rotated beyond the west limb on 02 November. Region 9682 (N12, L = 172, class/area Ekc/1210 on 31 October) showed continued growth from 29-31 October and produced numerous C-class and M-class flares throughout the period. This region started a slow decay from 03-04 November and is due to rotate beyond the west limb on 06 November. New Region 9687 (S19, L=75, class/area Fac/390 on 04 November) rotated onto the disc on 01 November and was very active, producing three M-class flares on 01 November. This region continued to grow at the close of the period, attaining a magnetic beta-gamma configuration.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1367
05 - 11 November 2001 13 November 2001
Solar activity ranged from moderate to high levels. Activity was at high levels on 07 - 08 November and at moderate levels during the remainder of the period. Region 9690 (S18, L=027, class/area, Fkc/1420 on 10 November) was the most active region this period producing sixteen M-class flares and numerous C-class flares (for details, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists).
Region 9690 appeared on the east limb on 05 November and continued to grow in size and complexity throughout the period. By 08 November this region developed a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration. Region 9684 (N06, L=136, class/area, Ekc/550 on 04 November) began the period as a moderately sized, magnetically complex, beta-gamma-delta region and entered a gradual decay phase early in the period. This region continued to decay until it rotated beyond the west limb on 08 November. Region 9687 (S19, L=75, class/area Fac/390 on 04 November) continued to grow early in the period and developed a magnetic complexity of beta-gamma-delta on 06 November.
Region 9687 produced an M9/1n flare at 08/0704 UTC with an associated Tenflare of 460 sfu and Type II radio burst (velocity 818 km/sec). After the M9 event, Region 9687 entered a gradual decay phase and at the close of the summary period maintains a simple beta configuration with six spots.
Region 9692 (N07, L=080, class/area Eki/740 on 10 November) developed near center disc on 07 November and grew to a moderately sized, magnetically beta-gamma region. However, this region has shown little activity at the close of the period and is due to rotate beyond the west limb on 14 November.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1368
12 - 18 November 2001 20 November 2001
Solar activity ranged from low to moderate levels. Activity was at moderate levels on 12 - 14, and 17 November due to isolated low level M-class flares. Conditions were at low levels during the other days of the period. Region 9690 (S18, L=027, class/area, Fki/1240 on 12 November) was the most active region during most of this period producing isolated M-class flares and numerous C-class flares (for flare details, please refer to the Energetic Events and Optical Flares lists). Region 9690 showed steady signs of decay during the period and exited the visible disk on 17 November. Region 9704 (S18, L=269, class/area, Dki/570 on 18 November) produced the most interesting event of the period, an M2/1n flare on 17 November at 0525 UTC, with accompanying Type II and IV radio sweeps, and an earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). By 18 November, this region developed into a moderately sized sunspot region with a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration. It continued to produce continuous C-class subflares.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1369
19 - 25 November 2001 27 November 2001
Activity alternated between low and high levels. High levels occurred on 22 and 25 November due to two major flares from Region 9704 (S18, L = 270, class/area Eki/610 on 22 November), which was the dominant flare producer of the period. The first was a M9/2n at 22/2330 UTC associated with a 9700 sfu Tenflare, several small filament eruptions, a full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) and a proton event. The other major flare from Region 9704 was a very impulsive X1 at 25/0951 UTC with no significant radio emission. This region also produced frequent C-class flares throughout the period, most of which were impulsive with little or no significant radio emission; the exception being a long duration C4 X-ray flare at 21/1458 UTC associated with Type II and IV radio sweep events, a filament disappearance, and a full-halo CME. Region 9704 was large and magnetically complex but began to show signs of gradual decay late in the period as it approached the west limb. Another event of note was a M3/2b flare at 22/2036 UTC from Region 9698 (S24, L = 301, class/area Dso/130 on 17
November) associated with Type II and IV radio sweep events, a 630 sfu Tenflare, and a proton flux enhancement.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1370
26 November - 02 December 2001 04 December 2001
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels with major flares observed during 28 – 29 November. The period began with activity at low levels due to occasional C-class subflares from a few active regions.
Activity increased to moderate levels on 27 November due to an M2/1f flare at 27/2121 UTC from Region 9715 (N05, L = 137, Ekc/990 on 30 November). Activity rose to high levels during 28 – 29 November due to two major flares from Region 9715, the first being an M6/1b at 28/1635 UTC associated with a 450 sfu Tenflare, Type II and IV radio sweeps, and a partial-halo coronal mass ejection (CME). The second was an M5/1n at 29/1036 UTC with minor radio emission. These flares occurred as Region 9715 gradually developed into a large magnetically complex sunspot group with multiple magnetic delta configurations. Region 9715 began to decay on 01 December and produced isolated C-class flares during the rest of the period. Region 9704 (S18, L = 270, class/area Eki/610 on 22 November), which was the source for an impulsive X1 X-ray flare on 25 November, crossed the west limb on 26 November. Activity decreased to moderate levels on 30 November with isolated M-class flares from Regions 9714 (S09, L = 195, class/area Dao/240 on 01 December) and 9718 (S07, L = 086, class/area Eki/610 on 02 December). Activity rose to high levels on 01 December due to six low-level M-class flares, also from Regions 9714 and 9718 (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flare lists). Region 9714 produced two M-class flares (with associated post-flare loop prominence systems) on 02 December as it crossed the west limb. Region 9718 rotated into view on 27 November and was in a minor growth phase during the rest of the period. It was large and moderately complex with mixed magnetic polarities evident within its trailer spots. Other events of interest included a long-duration M4 X-ray flare at 01/1555 UTC from beyond the southeast limb.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1371
03 - 09 December 2001 11 December 2001
Solar activity alternated between low and moderate levels. Isolated low-level M-class flares occurred during the period (please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists for flare times). Sunspot groups of note during the period included Regions 9715, 9718, 9727, and 9733. Region 9715 (N05, L = 137, class/area Ekc/990 on 30 November), which spawned a major flare on 29 November, produced isolated C-class subflares and gradually decayed before it rotated out of view on 06 December. Region 9718 (S07, L = 085, class/area Eki/720 on 06 December), a large, moderately complex sunspot group, was in a gradual growth phase through 05 December as it produced isolated C- and M-class flares. It began to slowly decay on 06 December. Region 9727 (S21, L = 020, class/area Dkc/430 on 07 December) produced isolated C-class and a single M-class flare during the period. It increased in size and magnetic complexity as the period progressed with delta magnetic configurations observed within the northern and eastern portions of the region. Region 9733 (N14, L = 311, class/area Eai/290 on 09 December) produced an M-class flare as it rotated into view on 08 December. It was moderate-sized with a slight degree of magnetic complexity as the period ended. Note: activity increased to high levels on the day of this report due to major flare activity in Region 9733. Details will be provided in next week’s issue.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1372
10 - 16 December 2001 18 December 2001
Activity ranged from low to high levels during the period. High levels occurred on 11 and 13
December due to two major flares from Region 9733 (N14, L = 313, class/area Eki/560 on 12 December). Activity alternated between low and moderate levels during the rest of the period. Region 9733’s first major flare was an impulsive X2/2b at 11/0808 UTC, the second a X6/3b at 13/1430 UTC. The X6/3b flare was associated with a partial-halo CME. Region 9733 was large and magnetically complex through most of the period. It produced impulsive low-level M- and C- class flares as it gradually decayed following the X6 flare (for flare times, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). The other sunspot group of interest was Region 9727 (S21, L = 020, class/area Eki/630 on 13 December), which produced isolated low-level M-class and C-class flares during the period. Region 9727 was in a gradual growth phase through 13 December, then stabilized as a large, magnetically complex group with a possible delta magnetic configuration in its northernmost trailer spots. It produced isolated subflares as it crossed the west limb on 15 December.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1373
17 December – 23 December 2001 26 December 2001
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels during the period. Activity was low through 18 December with impulsive C-class subflares from a few moderately complex sunspots groups, which included Regions 9733, 9739, and 9742. Activity increased to moderate levels on 19 December due to an M1/Sf flare at 19/1706 UTC from Region 9739 (S13, L = 319, class/area Dko/440 on 17 December). This region rotated out of view on 20 December. Region 9733 (N14, L =
313, class/area Eki/560 on 12 December) produced isolated C-class subflares as it gradually decayed. It also rotated out of view on 20 December. Activity returned to low levels during 20 – 22 December due to occasional C-class flares, mostly from Region 9742 (N10, L = 214, class/area Fkc/900 on 23 December). This region showed a steady increase in size and complexity during the period. Activity increased to moderate levels on 23 December by virtue of an M1/Sf flare at 23/2336 UTC from Region 9748 (S11, L = 191, class/area Dao/200 on 23 December). Region 9748 was in a gradual growth phase during this flare. Note: Region 9742 produced a major flare on 26 December.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1374
24 - 30 December 2001 01 January 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Moderate conditions occurred during 24 – 25 December with isolated low-level M-class flares from Region 9754
(S08, L = 121, class/area Eai/270 on 25 December), which was moderate in size and magnetic complexity (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). Activity increased to high levels on 26 December due to an M7/1b flare at 26/0540 UTC from Region 9742 (N10, L = 214, class/area Fkc/1070 on 25 December). This flare was associated with a 2600 SFU Tenflare, Type II and IV radio sweeps, and a partial-halo CME. Region 9742 was the largest and most complex sunspot group on the disk until it rotated out of view on 28 December. Activity decreased to moderate levels on 27 December with isolated low-level M-class flares from Regions 9742, 9748 (S10, L = 191, class/area Eao/330 on 27 December), and 9752 (S14, L = 217, class/area Dso/020 on 23 December). Region 9748 was moderate in size and complexity and remained so until it crossed the west limb on 29 December. Region 9752 was a spotless plage area during most of the period.
Activity returned to high levels on 28 December by virtue of an X3 X-ray flare at 28/2045 UTC from a source just beyond the southeast limb. The X3 flare was associated with a 1600 SFU Tenflare, a loop-prominence system, a proton event, a coronal mass ejection (CME), and a ground-level event (GLE – the fourth such event of Cycle 23). Region 9742 produced an impulsive M4/Sf flare at 28/0351 UTC as it crossed the west limb. Activity remained high on 29 December due to an M9 X-ray flare at 29/0945 UTC from a source beyond the west limb, probably from (old) Region 9742. This flare was associated with Type II and IV radio sweeps and a non-Earth-directed CME. There were several low-level M-class flares on 29 December as well, including an M1/1f at 29/0546 UTC from Region 9751 (N04, L = 141, class/area Eki/500 on 26 December) and a long-duration M1 X-ray flare at 29/2127 UTC from a source beyond the west limb. Region 9767 (S23, L = 018, class/area Eki/210 on 30 December) rotated into view on the last day of the period. This region, which may have been the source of the X3 flare on 28 December, appeared to be the return of old Region 9727, which had a history of major flare production. At present, it is large with a moderate degree of magnetic complexity.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1375
31 December 2001 - 06 January 2002 08 January 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Low activity occurred during the first two days of the period due to isolated C-class subflares. Activity increased to moderate levels on 02 January due to an impulsive low-level M-class flare from Region 9754 (S08, L = 121, class/area Eai/270 on 25 December), which departed the visible disk on 04 January (please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists for flare specifics). Activity decreased to low levels on 03 January with occasional C-class subflares from Regions 9754 and 9767 (S23, L = 016, class/area Eki/510 on 31 December).
Region 9767 exhibited moderate size and magnetic complexity, but began to show signs of decay late in the period (Region 9767 was the return of old Region 9727, which had a history of major flare production). Activity returned to moderate levels during 04 – 05 January due to a couple low-level M-class flares from Region 9773 (N13, L = 324, class/area Dao/140 on 06 January), which rotated into view on 04 January. Region 9773 was also moderate in size and magnetic complexity, but began to gradually decay late in the period. Another event of interest was a long-duration C3 X-ray flare at 04/0952 UTC associated with an eruptive prominence on the northeast limb, a Type II radio sweep, and a coronal mass ejection. Activity decreased to low levels on the final day of the period.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1376
07 - 13 January 2002 15 January 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was low during 07 – 08 January with C-class flares from Regions 9767 (S22, L = 016, class/area Eki/510 on 31 December) and 9773 (N14, L = 326, class/area Eki/570 on 11 January). A long-duration C9 X-ray flare occurred at 08/2025 UTC due to a prominence eruption near the southeast limb. A halo coronal mass ejection was also associated with this eruption, but it was not Earth-directed. Activity increased to high levels on 09 January due to an M9/2b flare at 09/1801 UTC from Region 9773 associated with a 230 SFU Tenflare. Region 9773 showed a rapid increase in size and magnetic complexity prior to the M9 flare, then grew at a gradual pace during the rest of the period as it produced isolated low-level M-class flares (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). Activity dropped to low levels on 10 January. Activity increased to moderate levels during 11 – 13 January due to isolated low-level M-class flares and C-class flares from Regions 9767, 9773, and 9775 (S05, L = 310, class/area Eao/180 on 13 January). Region 9767 was in a gradual decay phase as it departed the west limb on 11 January.
Region 9775 was in a gradual growth phase during the period.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1377
14 - 20 January 2002 22 January 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. The period began with activity at moderate levels due to isolated low-level M-class flares from Regions 9775 and 9782 (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). Region 9775 (S05, L = 310, class area Fki/280 on 15 January) also produced an M-class flare on 16 January as it rotated out of view. It was moderately complex and may have been in a growth phase as it crossed the west limb. Region 9782 (N06, L = 223, class/area Dao/320 on 12 January) was in a gradual growth phase through 17 January, then gradually decayed during the rest of the period. A long-duration M4 X-ray flare occurred at 14/0627 UTC from a source beyond the Sun’s southwest limb. This flare was associated with a Type II radio sweep and a non-Earth-directed halo CME. Activity dropped to low levels on 15 January, then returned to moderate levels on 16 January as Region 9775 produced an M-class flare while crossing the west limb. Region 9773 (N14, L = 326, class/area Eki/570 on 11 January) also crossed the west limb on 16 January following a period of gradual decay. Activity decreased to low levels during 17 – 18 January with isolated C-class flares. Activity rose to moderate levels on 19 January by virtue of an impulsive M-class flare from Region 9787 (S07, L = 130, class/area Cko/420 on 20 January), which had begun to gradually develop. Activity dropped to low levels on the last day of the period with isolated C-class subflares.
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Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1378
21 - 27 January 2002 22 January 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. The period began with activity at low levels due to isolated C-class flares from a few unremarkable sunspot groups (for flare details, please refer to the Optical Flares or Energetic Events lists). Activity increased to moderate levels on 22 January due to an impulsive, low-level M-class flare from Region 9791 (S03, L = 195, class/area Dso/120 on 21 January). Region 9791 began to gradually decay following the M-flare. Activity decreased to low levels during 23 – 25 January due to C-class subflares. During this period Region 9794 (N12, L = 113, class/area Dao/090 on 25 January) produced a few C-class subflares associated with Type II radio sweeps. Region 9794 was unimpressive in terms of size and structure. A long-duration C7 X-ray flare peaked at 24/0439 UTC. This flare was associated with a type II radio sweep and a non-earth-directed CME and appeared to be from a source beyond the east limb. Activity increased to moderate levels on 26 January as Region 9802 (S14, L = 023, class/area Dso/230 on 27 January) produced an M1/Sf flare late in the day. Region 9802 was moderate-sized with a slight degree of magnetic complexity. Activity dropped to low levels on 27 January. An event occurred from beyond the northwest limb around midday on 27 January. This event was associated with a non-Earth-directed partial-halo CME as well as a >10 MeV proton flux enhancement.
Solar wind data were available from the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft for most of the period. Solar wind velocities were elevated during 21 January, possibly due to a high-speed stream associated with a coronal hole. Velocities peaked at around 550 km/sec during this period. There were no significant disturbances observed during the rest of the period.
There were no proton events detected at geosynchronous orbit. However, a greater than 10 MeV
proton flux enhancement (peak flux 9.0 PFU) occurred during the latter half of 27 January following an event from beyond the northwest limb of the Sun.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels during 21 – 22 January, then decreased to normal levels during the rest of the period.
No significant geomagnetic field activity occurred during the period.

Space Weather Outlook
30 January - 25 February 2002
Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels. Isolated low-level M-class flares are expected. There will be a slight chance for a major flare during the first half of the period.
There will be a slight chance for a proton flare during the forecast period.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to be at normal to moderate levels during most of the period. However, high flux levels will be possible during 07 – 10 February.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels during most of the period.
However, active conditions will be possible during 06 – 08 February due to coronal hole effects.
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Helios no. 67 will be issued 01. Apr. 2002

CV-Helios Network 03 feb 2002