HELIOS no. 67-68       13.Aug. 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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Comparison Solar Flux 10,7cm Adjusted to 1 AU - vs. - Classification Values Int. Numbers
6 Rotations Averages

Calculated from Adjusted Flux 10,7cm Penticton
and CV-data.

Extracts from Preliminary Report and Forecast, SEL, Boulder, CO. USA:  
SWO PRF: Online Weekly in Adobe Acrobat(R) format

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1379
28 January - 03 February 2002 05 February 2002
Solar activity was at low levels during most of the period, but briefly rose to moderate levels on 31
January. Activity was low during 28 - 30 January due to C-class flares. Most of these were from
Regions 9800 (N08, L = 047, class/area Fkc/600 on 29 January) and 9802 (S15, L = 022, class/area
Ekc/780 on 01 February). Both regions were large and magnetically complex, each exhibiting a
magnetic delta configuration for a time. However, both began to gradually decay during the second
half of the period, though Region 9802 remained magnetically complex. A large filament disappeared
from the Sun's southeast quadrant on 28 January associated with a partial-halo CME. Activity rose to
moderate on 31 January due to an M3 X-ray flare at 31/1444 UTC from Region 9787 (S07, L = 130,
class/area Dko/470 on 24 January), which was near the west limb. Activity was low during the rest of
the period with isolated C-class subflares from Regions 9800 and 9802.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1380
04 - 10 February 2002 12 February 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Moderate activity occurred on 04 February with two low-level
M-class flares from Region 9809 (S05, L = 323, class/area Dso/130 on 31 January)(for flare
times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). Region 9809 was
unimpressive in terms of size and complexity. Region 9802 (S15, L = 022, class/area Ekc/780 on 01
February) also produced a low-level M-class flare on 04 February. This region was in a decay phase
that began around 03 February. Activity dropped to low levels on 05 February with isolated C-class
subflares. Activity returned to moderate levels on 06 February due to a low-level M-class flare from
Region 9802, which continued to decay. Activity dropped to low levels during 07 - 08 February with
isolated C-class subflares. Activity returned to moderate levels on the last day of the period due to an
impulsive low-level M-class flare from Region 9811 (S26, L = 278, class/area Dao/290 on 04
February). Region 9811 was simply structured and began to gradually decay as the period ended.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1381
11 - 17 February 2002 19 February 2002
Solar activity was low through the period with isolated to occasional C-class flares. Sunspot groups of
interest included Regions 9825 (N13, L = 206, Fkc/500 on 14 February) and 9830 (S20, L = 135,
Fai/360 on 17 February). Region 9825 produced isolated C-class flares as it gradually developed
during the first half of the period, then gradually decayed during the second half of the period (for flare
details, please refer to the Optical Flares list). Region 9830 produced C-class flares as it gradually
increased in size and complexity during the latter half of the period. By the close of the period, Region
9830 had become large and magnetically complex as multiple delta magnetic configurations
developed within its leader spots. One event of note was a partial-halo CME from the southwest
quadrant early on 14 February.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1382
18 - 24 February 2002 26 February 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was at low to moderate levels during 18 - 19
February with an isolated M1/Sf long-duration flare and some C-class flares from Region 9830 (S19,
L = 134, class/area Fkc/610 on 19 February). Region 9830 was in a gradual growth phase during 16 -
19 February and developed multiple delta magnetic configurations within its leader spots. It began to
gradually decay on 20 February, but remained complex as a (weakened) magnetic delta persisted
within its leader spots. Activity increased to high levels on 20 February due to an M5/1n flare at
20/0612 UTC from Region 9825 (N14, L = 206, class/area Fkc/500 on 14 February), which was
crossing the west limb at the time. Region 9825 "awoke" with three M-class flares on 20 February
(including the aforementioned M5/1n) following several days of gradual decay and inactivity. The
sudden increase in flare activity coincided with the rapid emergence of opposite-polarity flux
northwest of its leader spots. Activity dropped to moderate levels on 22 February with multiple low-level
M-class flares from Region 9825 as it rotated out of view. Activity remained at moderate levels
on 22 February with an M2/2n flare from Region 9830, which continued to gradually decay. Activity
dropped to low levels during the last two days of the period due to occasional C-class flares.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1383
25 February - 03 March 2002 05 March 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Activity was at moderate levels on 25 February with an
optically uncorrelated M1.0 flare. Region 9830 (S20, L= 135, class/area Fkc/530 on 20 February) was
in a decay phase at the start of the summary period. On 25 February, Region 9830 simplified in
magnetic complexity from a beta-gamma-delta to a beta-gamma configuration and on 26 February
rotated beyond the west limb. Activity also at moderate levels on 27 and 28 February with the largest
event an M2.2 flare associated with an eruptive prominence (S24W90) off the southwest limb at
28/0012 UTC. The source of this event was mostly likely Region 9839 (S18, L=111, class/area
Eao/250 on 27 February), which was transiting the west limb at the time. This region reached it's
maximum size and complexity on 27 February as it approached the west limb and taking into account
limb effects, it is uncertain as to whether or not it was in a decay phase as it rotated beyond the west
limb. Region 9845 (N18, L= 016, class/area Fki/390 on 03 March) had shown gradual growth
throughout the period and developed a beta-gamma magnetic configuration on 01 March. This region
also produced a C9 flare at 01/0012 UTC, as determined by SOHO/LASCO imagery. Two Type II
Radio Sweeps were recorded on 01 March at 0214 UTC (1200 km/s) and 0542 UTC (742 km/s). The
most likely source of the 0214 UTC Type II was Region 9839 beyond the southwest limb. The most
likely source of the 0542 UTC Type II was a C7/Sf flare at 01/0530 UTC from Region 9848 (S20,
L=029, class/area Dso/060 on 26 February). On 02-03 March activity was low with only minor C-class
flares. On 02 March a large eruptive prominence was observed lifting off the southeast limb at
02/1415 UTC with an associated CME seen by LASCO C2 imagery. No earth directed component
was noted.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1384
04 - 10 March 2002 12 March 2002
Solar activity ranged from very low to moderate levels during the period. Activity was mostly low
during 04 - 08 March with isolated to occasional C-class flares. Region 9845 (N17, L = 013,
class/area Fai/430 on 05 March) was a source for some of the C-class flares and was one of the
regions of interest by virtue of its moderate size and magnetic complexity. It crossed the west limb on
07 March. Activity increased to moderate levels during 09 - 10 March due to three long-duration,
low-level M-class flares (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flare lists).
Region 9866 (S10, L = 190, class/area Eki/840 on 10 March) produced two of these as it rotated into
view on 09 March (the third flare was optically unassociated). Region 9866 was large, magnetically
complex, and in a gradual growth phase at the close of the period.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1385
11 - 17 March 2002 19 March 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was low on 11 March with isolated, optically
uncorrelated C-class X-ray flares. Activity increased to moderate levels on 12 March due to a M1 X-ray
flare at 12/2313 UTC associated with a Type II radio sweep, apparently from a source beyond the
east limb. A long-duration C-class X-ray flare associated with a Type IV radio sweep occurred earlier
on 12 March, also from a source beyond the east limb. Activity remained moderate on 13 March as
Region 9871 (S20, L = 138, class/area Eso/330 on 17 March) produced an M1/Sf flare at 13/2335
UTC accompanied by a Type II radio sweep. Region 9871 was a moderate-sized sunspot group with
minor magnetic complexity. It showed gradual growth during the latter half of the period. Activity
rose to high levels on 14 March by virtue of an M5/2b flare at 14/0150 UTC associated with a Type
IV radio sweep from Region 9866 (S10, L = 191, class/area Eki/900 on 12 March). Region 9866 was
the largest and most complex of the visible regions during the period. It gradually increased in size and
magnetic complexity through 14 March, having developed a strong, persistent delta magnetic
configuration within its trailer spots. The region began to gradually decay on 15 March, but remained
magnetically complex. Activity decreased to moderate levels on 15 March due to a long-duration
M2/1f flare at 15/2310 UTC from Region 9866. Activity decreased to low levels on 16 March with
C-class subflares from Regions 9866 and 9871. Activity returned to moderate levels on the final day
of the period with an M4/Sf flare at 17/1931 UTC from Region 9871.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1386
18 - 24 March 2002 26 March 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Region 9866 (S09, L = 191, class/area Eki/900 on 12 March)
produced long-duration low-level M-class flares during March 18 - 19 and 22, as well as a long-duration C-class
flare on March 20 (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists).
Imagery from the NASA SOHO/LASCO sensor indicated each of these flares was associated with a halo or
partial-halo CME. Region 9866 rotated out of view on March 22 following a period of gradual decay. Region
9878 (N09, L = 038, Fao/150 on 23 March) produced isolated C-class subflares late in the period. It had
moderate magnetic complexity and was in a gradual growth phase as the period ended.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1387
25 - 31 March 2002 02 April 2002
Activity was low during 25 - 29 March, then increased to moderate levels for the balance of the
period. Region 9878 (N09, L = 040, class/area Esi/170 on 26 March) was the most notable of a few
moderately complex sunspot groups that produced C-class flares during 25 - 29 March (for flare
specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). It showed a delta magnetic
configuration for a few days, but began to slowly decay on 29 March. Activity increased to moderate
levels on 30 March due to a M3/1n flare at 30/1301 UTC from Region 9885 (N11, L = 320, class/area
Fki/600 on 31 March). It produced another low-level M-class flare on 31 March. Region 9885 was
active as it rotated into view on 28 March, possibly the source for a C7 X-ray flare at 28/1800 UTC. It
grew during 28 - 30 March to include the development of a weak delta within its interior spots.
However, it began to gradually decay on 31 March with loss of its delta. Region 9887 (N01, L = 297,
class/area Eai/240 on 31 March) produced isolated subflares on 31 March as it began to grow.
Currently, it is moderate in size and magnetic complexity.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1388
01 - 07 April 2002 09 April 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was low during most of the period, but
increased to high levels on 04 April by virtue of an impulsive M6 X-ray flare at 04/1532 UTC. The
source for this flare was beyond the southeast limb, possibly from old Region 9866 (S09, L =191),
which had a history of energetic flare production (see PRF #1385 - 1386). This region rotated into
view on 05 April and was (re) numbered as Region 9896 (S11, L = 194, class/area Hsx/110 on 06
April). However, Region 9896 appeared to be a simply structured H-type spot group and produced no
flares during the rest of the period. C-class flares occurred during the rest of the period from a number
of active regions including Regions 9885, 9887, 9893 and 9899. Region 9885 (N13, L = 320,
class/area Eki/710 on 01 April) was moderate in size and complexity. It was in a gradual growth
phase until 05 April, then began to slowly decay. Region 9887 (N02, L = 296, class/area Eki/720 on
04 April) was in a growth phase until 06 April, which included the development of a short-lived delta
magnetic configuration on 02 April. This region appeared to stabilize on 07 April as a large,
moderately complex spot group. Region 9893 (N18, L = 215, class/area Eki/370 on 06 April) began
to develop on 07 April with increased spots and magnetic complexity. Region 9899 (N18, L = 183,
class/area Hsx/180 on 07 April) showed gradual spot growth late in the period.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1389
08 - 14 April 2002 16 April 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was low on 08 April with frequent C-class
flares, most of which were produced by Region 9899 (N18, L = 179, class/area Dao/220 on 10 April).
Activity increased to moderate levels on 09 April due to two M-class flares from Region 9899
including an M2/2b flare at 09/0042 UTC associated with Type II and IV radio sweeps (for other flare
magnitudes and times, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). It also produced an
M1 X-ray flare at 10/1907 UTC and a C3/Sf flare at 12/0512 UTC, both associated with Type II and
IV radio sweeps. Region 9899 grew at a gradual pace during most of the period, with minor mixed
polarities near its large leader spot. Activity increased to high levels on 10 April due to an impulsive
M8/1n flare at 10/1231 UTC from Region 9893 (N19, L = 215, class/area Eai/490 on 09 April)
associated with a Type II radio sweep and a 510 sfu Tenflare. Region 9893 was part of a two region
complex that included Region 9901 (N20, L = 204, class/area Dai/250 on 13 April), which rapidly
emerged just to the east of Region 9893. The M8/1n flare occurred near the junction of these two
groups where a magnetic delta configuration had formed. This delta configuration dissipated, but
another delta developed in the leader spots of Region 9901 and persisted through the rest of the period.
Activity alternated between low and moderate levels during 11 - 14 April with isolated M-class flares
from the Region 9893/9901 complex including an M4/1f at 12/1802 UTC associated with a Type IV
radio sweep.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1390
15 - 21 April 2002 23 April 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was moderate during 15 - 17 April due to lesser
M-class flares from adjacent Regions 9893 (N19, L = 215, class/area Eai/490 on 09 April) and 9901
(N20, L = 204, class/area Dai/250 on 13 April), and Region 9906 (S16, L = 151, class/area Eki/640 on
14 April). The 9893/9901 region complex rotated out of view on 16 April. Region 9906 produced two
long-duration lesser M-class flares on 15 and 17 April, each associated with an Earth-directed halo
CME (for flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares listings).
One of these, an M2/2n at 17/0824 UTC, was associated with Types II and IV radio sweeps, a 3000
sfu Tenflare and a solar proton event (see the discussion below). Activity dropped to low levels during
18 - 20 April due to C-class subflares, most of which were produced by Region 9906. Activity
increased to high levels on 21 April as Region 9906 produced a long-duration X1/1f flare at 21/0151
UTC while crossing the west limb. This spectacular flare was associated with a 1900 sfu Tenflare,
Types II and IV radio sweeps, multiple eruptive prominences, a solar proton event, and a partial-halo
CME. Region 9906 began to gradually decay on 18 April, but remained large and complex until
it crossed the west limb on 21 April.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1391
22 - 28 April 2002 30 April 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels during the summary period. Activity was moderate on 24
April due to an M1/1f flare at 24/2156 UTC from Region 9912 (N10, L= 069, class/area Dai/270 on
21 April). Activity was low during 22- 23 April and 25 - 28 April with predominantly minor C-class
activity. Region 9912 produced a C2/Sf flare on 22/1210 UTC with an associated Type II radio sweep
(estimated velocity 804 km/s). Other notable activity during the period included two filament
eruptions. The first off the southwest quadrant on 22/2230 UTC with a non-Earth-directed CME.
The second filament eruption occurred late in the day on 26 April at S32, L=003. This filament
eruption also produced a large non-Earth-directed CME.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1392
29 April - 05 May 2002 07 May 2002
Solar activity was at low levels during most of the period. However, activity increased to moderate
levels on 30 April due to a low-level M-class flare, apparently from a source beyond the southeast
limb (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic Events or Optical Flares lists). A large CME was
observed early on 01 May from a source beyond the southwest limb and was associated with a greater
than 10 MeV proton flux enhancement (see the discussion below). The main sunspot group of interest
during the period was Region 9934 (S18, L = 211, class/area Eki/580 on 03 May), which rotated into
view on 01 May and produced C-class flares during the rest of the period. It showed little change in
terms of size and structure, but possessed a delta magnetic configuration within its southern-most
cluster of spots. Another event of interest was a long-duration C6/Sf flare at 02/2133 UTC from
Region 9926 (N14, L = 312, class/area Dao/080 on 02 May) associated with a Type II radio sweep.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1393
06 May - 12 May 2002 14 May 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Region 9937 (S09, L = 190, class/area Dai/240 on 11
May) produced two M-class flares during the period. The first, an M1 at 07/0346 UTC, was associated
with a Type IV radio sweep and a halo CME. The second was an M1/Sf at 11/1132 UTC associated
with a Type II radio sweep. Region 9937 displayed alternate intervals of growth and decay during the
period. Its last growth phase commenced on 10 May and continued for the rest of the period. A weak
magnetic delta configuration was observed within its trailer spots on the last day of the period. C-class
flares occurred during the rest of the period (for flare specifics, please refer to the Optical Flares list),
many of which originated in Region 9934 (S17, L = 211, class/area Fki/1060 on 11 May). Region
9934 was the most impressive spot group in terms of size and complexity. It gradually grew through
10 May, particularly in the southern portion of the region where a magnetic delta configuration
formed. It appeared to stabilize on 11 May, but remained large and complex as it approached the west
limb.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1394
13 May - 19 May 2002 21 May 2002
Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Activity increased to moderate levels on 15 and 17 May
due to low-level M-class flares from Regions 9948 and 9957. Region 9948 (S22, L = 085, class/area
Eko/430 on 12 May) produced an M1/Sf flare on 15 May. It also produced a long-duration C4 X-ray
flare at 16/0035 UTC associated with Type II and IV radio sweep events and a halo CME. Region
9948 was simply structured and largely stable. Its distinguishing characteristic was a very large,
symmetric leader spot. Region 9957 (N07, L = 017, class/area Fkc/760 on 17 May) produced an M1
X-ray flare at 17/0123 UTC. It rotated into view on 16 May as a large, magnetically complex E-type
spot group with compact spot distribution and a delta magnetic configuration within its northern spots.
It produced C-class flares during the rest of the period and was stable in terms of size and complexity.
Region 9961 (S22, L = 330, class/area Dao/110 on 19 May) produced C-class flares as it rotated into
view on 19 May. Note: Region 9961 produced major flare activity on 20 May, which will be
summarized in next week's report. On the day of this report Region 9961 appeared to be moderate-sized
and magnetically complex with a delta magnetic configuration within its leader spots.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1395
20 May - 26 May 2002 28 May 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity was high on 20 May due to two impulsive major flares
from Region 9961 (S22, L = 331, class/area Eai/480 on 20 May): an M5 at 20/1053 UTC and an X2/2n at
20/1527 UTC. Region 9961 produced C-class subflares during the rest of the period. It began to gradually
decay on 24 May, though a magnetic delta persisted within its intermediate spots until 25 May. Activity was
moderate on 21 and 24 May with isolated, lesser M-class flares from Regions 9960 and 9963. Region 9960
(N14, L = 347, class/area Dac/140 on 21 May) also produced C-class subflares during the period. It contained a
delta within its trailer spots until 25 May, then began to decay and simplify. Region 9963 (N15, L = 316,
class/area Dho/420 on 23 May) was stable in terms of size and complexity through most of the period, but
showed minor spot growth on the last day of the period. The highlight of the period was a large filament
eruption from the southwest quadrant on 22 May. The eruption was associated with a long-duration C5
parallel-ribbon flare at 22/0354 UTC, a fast full-halo CME (plane of sky velocity approx. 1500 km/sec), and a
>10 MeV proton event. Region 9957 (N10, L = 010, class/area Ekc/830 on 19 May) produced isolated C-class
subflares during the period. It gradually decayed during the period, but was of interest due to delta magnetic
configurations within its northern and southern spot clusters.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1396
27 May - 02 June 2002 04 June 2002
Solar activity was at moderate levels during most of the period due to isolated, low-level M-class
flares. Activity increased to moderate levels on 27 May due to an M2/2f flare at 27/1810 UTC from
Region 9957 (N10, L = 010, class area Fkc/830 on 17 May). This region showed gradual decay before
it crossed the west limb on 29 May. A filament erupted from the northeast quadrant on 27 May
associated with a C2 X-ray flare and a partial-halo coronal mass ejection (CME). Activity decreased to
low levels on 28 - 29 May. Activity increased to moderate levels for the rest of the period with
isolated M-class flares from Regions 9973 and 9979 (for flare specifics, please refer to the Energetic
Events or Optical Flares lists). Region 9973 (S16, L = 211, class/area Eki/960 on 29 May) produced
C-class subflares as it rotated into view on 28 May. It also produced M1 flares on 30 May and 01
June. The 01 June flare, an M1/1n at 01/0357 UTC, was associated with Type II and IV radio sweep
events. Region 9973 was large, moderately complex, and showed little change during most of the
period. However, it appeared to enter a decay phase on 02 June. Region 9979 (S30, L = 171, class/area
Dao/130 on 01 June) produced M1 flares during 01 - 02 June and appeared to be in a gradual growth
phase.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1397
03 - 09 June 2002 11 June 2002
Solar activity was low. Isolated B- and C-class X-ray flares occurred during the period from a few
moderate- to large-sized sunspot groups, none of which were remarkably complex. However, Region
9973 (S16, L = 144, class/area Eki/960 on 29 May) was notable in that it was large and possessed
moderate magnetic complexity. It produced isolated B- and C-class flares, but gradually decayed and
simplified as the period progressed. Region 9979 (S29, L = 170, class/area Dao/170 on 01 June) was
the source for a long-duration C3 X-ray flare, which peaked at 05/0945 UTC. The flare was associated
with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). Region 9979 gradually decayed during the
period. Region 9987 (S16, L = 144, class/area Eki/240 on 09 June) produced isolated B-class
subflares late in the period. It grew gradually during the latter half of the period and was moderate in
size and complexity.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1398
10 - 16 June 2002 18 June 2002
Solar activity was low during most of the period with isolated B- and C-class flares. X-ray
background levels were B-class throughout the period (and have been so since 03 June). Regions 9987
and 9991 were the sunspot groups of interest, both of which produced isolated B- and C-class flares.
Region 9987 (S15, L = 144, class/area Eki/420 on 11 June) was moderate in size and magnetic
complexity and was in a gradual growth phase until 11 June. However, it began to gradually decay on
12 June. Region 9991 (S22, L = 084, class/area Cko/350 on 14 June) was a reversed-polarity region
with minor spot growth noted during 11 - 12 June. It began a gradual decay phase on 13 June.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1399
17 - 23 June 2002 25 June 2002
Solar activity ranged from very low to moderate during the summary period. Activity was very low
on 18 June, moderate on 23 June, and at low levels for the rest of the period. The only significant
activity was an M1.6/2f flare at 23/0255 UTC from a spotless plage Region 9997 (N10, L = 015,
class/area Bxo/010 on 18 June). Region 8 (S09, L290, class/area Dki/510 on 23 June) was the largest
sunspot group on the disk and was relatively stable during the period. This region developed a beta-gamma
magnetic configuration on 21 June and maintained it through the end of the summary

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1400
24 June - 30 June 2002 02 July 2002
Solar activity was at very low-to-low levels with isolated B- and C-class X-ray flares during most of
the period. Sunspot groups of interest included Regions 8, 17, and 19. Region 8 (S10, L = 291,
class/area Dki/540 on 25 June) was large with a minor degree of magnetic complexity and began to
gradually decay on 27 June. It was the possible source for a long-duration B-class X-ray enhancement
late on 27 June, which was associated with a partial-halo CME. Region 17 (S19, L = 235, class/area
Dso/100 on 30 June) produced isolated B-class subflares. It was moderate in size and complexity and
gradually developed as the period progressed. Region 19 (S18, L = 150, class/area Dko/450 on 30
June) rotated into view on 30 June as a large, moderately complex group with mixed polarities (and a
possible delta magnetic configuration) within its trailer spots. A long-duration C2 X-ray flare occurred
during 30/0915 - 1625 UTC associated with an eruptive prominence and CME off the southeast limb.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1401
01 - 07 July 2002 09 July 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Activity increased to moderate levels on 02 July with an
M1/Sf flare at 02/2031 UTC from Region 17 (S19, L = 235, class/area Eki/610 on 03 July). Activity
increased to high levels on 03 July with two major flares from Region 17: an X1/1b at 03/0213 UTC
associated with a 160 sfu Tenflare and an M5/1n at 03/2010 UTC associated with a 510 sfu Tenflare.
Activity decreased to moderate levels for the rest of the period with daily isolated, low-level M-class
subflares from Region 17 including an M3/Sf at 05/1326 UTC associated with Type II and Type IV
radio sweeps. Region 17 grew rapidly during 02 - 03 July with a threefold increase in sunspot area. It
also increased in magnetic complexity during this period as delta magnetic configurations developed
within its trailer spots. Region 17 entered a decay phase on 04 July, but remained active until it rotated
out of view early on 06 July. Optically uncorrelated M1 X-ray events during 06 - 07 July likely
originated beyond the west limb from (old) Region 17 including a long-duration M1 at 07/1143 UTC
associated with a partial-halo CME and a solar proton event. The other sunspot group of interest was
Region 19 (S18, L = 151, class/area Eki/600 on 01 July). It was a large group with moderate magnetic
complexity that produced isolated C-class subflares including a C6/Sf at 05/1556 UTC associated
with Type II and IV radio sweeps and a C6/1n at 06/0938 UTC associated with a Type II radio sweep.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1402
08 - 14 July 2002 16 July 2002
Solar activity was at low to high levels. Activity rose to high levels on 11 July due to an M5/2b flare
from Region 30 (N19, L = 013, class/area Fkc/780 on 14 July). Region 30 also produced isolated low-level
M-class flares on 08, 11, and 13 July. All of these flares were unremarkable in radio aspects.
Region 30 grew steadily in size and magnetic complexity and developed multiple magnetic delta
configurations by the close of the period. Forecaster's note: Region 30 produced an X3/3b flare and
halo CME on 15 July. Details will be provided in next week's edition.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1403
15 - 21 July 2002 23 July 2002
Solar activity alternated between low and high levels during the period. Major solar flares occurred on 15, 17,
18, and 20 July from two active regions: Region 30 (N19, L = 012, class/area Fkc/1350 on 16 July) and
Region 39 (S12, L = 212, class/area Dac/330 on 22 July). Region 30 produced an X3/3b flare at 15/2008 UTC,
an M8/1b at 17/0713 UTC, and an X1/2b at 18/0744 UTC, all of which were associated with Earth-directed
coronal mass ejections (CME). Region 30 entered a decay phase on 16 July, though it remained large and
magnetically complex with multiple delta magnetic configurations. It rotated out of view on the day of this
report. Region 39, which rotated into view on 22 July, was the likely source for an X3 X-ray flare at 20/2130
UTC from beyond the southeast limb. It was also the likely source for multiple far side CME activity observed
during the period. On the day of this report, Region 39 produced an X4 X-ray flare associated with a halo
CME, which will be summarized in next week's report. Region 39 was still too close to the limb for a detailed
analysis, but appeared to be very large and magnetically complex.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1403
15 - 21 July 2002 23 July 2002
Solar activity alternated between low and high levels during the period. Major solar flares occurred on 15, 17,
18, and 20 July from two active regions: Region 30 (N19, L = 012, class/area Fkc/1350 on 16 July) and
Region 39 (S12, L = 212, class/area Dac/330 on 22 July). Region 30 produced an X3/3b flare at 15/2008 UTC,
an M8/1b at 17/0713 UTC, and an X1/2b at 18/0744 UTC, all of which were associated with Earth-directed
coronal mass ejections (CME). Region 30 entered a decay phase on 16 July, though it remained large and
magnetically complex with multiple delta magnetic configurations. It rotated out of view on the day of this
report. Region 39, which rotated into view on 22 July, was the likely source for an X3 X-ray flare at 20/2130
UTC from beyond the southeast limb. It was also the likely source for multiple far side CME activity observed
during the period. On the day of this report, Region 39 produced an X4 X-ray flare associated with a halo
CME, which will be summarized in next week's report. Region 39 was still too close to the limb for a detailed
analysis, but appeared to be very large and magnetically complex.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1404
22 - 28 July 2002 29 July 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels for the fourth consecutive week. Activity increased to
from low to high levels on 23 and 26 July due to major solar flares from Regions 39 and 44. Region
39 (S15, L = 204, class/area Fkc/940 on 26 July) was active as it rotated into view on 22 July. It was
the likely source for an X3 flare from beyond the southeast limb on 20 July as well as back side CME
activity observed during 16 - 21 July. Region 39 produced an X4/2b flare at 23/0035 UTC associated
with an 1800 sfu Tenflare, Type II and IV radio sweeps, and a halo CME. Region 39 was large and
magnetically complex with strong, persistent magnetic delta configurations within its leading and
trailing spots. Region 44 (S21, L = 210, class/area Fki/590 on 27 July) was located just to the
southwest of Region 39. It produced two major flares late on 26 July: an M8/2n at 26/2112 UTC and
an M5 at 26/2217 UTC. The M8/2n flare was associated with a halo CME. Region 44 was also large
and magnetically complex. A magnetic delta configuration developed within its intermediate spots
late in the period. Region 50 (S07, L = 191, class/area Dao/290 on 28 July) entered a rapid growth
phase on 28 July and produced isolated subflares.

Space Weather Highlights SWO PRF 1405
29 July - 04 August 2002 06 August 2002
Solar activity ranged from low to high levels for the fifth consecutive week. Activity alternated
between low and moderate levels during 29 July - 02 August due to C-class flares and isolated M-class
flares from Region 39 (S15, L = 204, class/area Fkc/940 on 26 July) and Region 44 (S21, L =
210, Fkc/780 on 01 August). For flare times and magnitudes, please refer to the Energetic Events or
Optical Flares lists. Events of note during this period included a filament eruption from the northwest
quadrant early on 29 July associated with a partial-halo CME and a long-duration M4 at 29/1044 UTC
from Region 44. Activity increased to high levels during 03 - 04 August with an impulsive X1/Sf
flare at 03/1907 UTC from Region 39 and an M6 X-ray flare at 04/0955 UTC from beyond the
southwest limb near (old) Regions 39 and 44 (both regions departed the visible disk early on 04
August).
Solar wind data were available from the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft
for most of the summary period. Three CME-related shock passages occurred during the period. They
passed the ACE spacecraft at approximately 29/1330 UTC, 31/1100 UTC, and 01/0425 UTC. All
were likely due to CME activity from Regions 39 and/or 44. Peak solar wind velocities associated
with these passages were in the 500 to 550 km/sec range. IMF Bz was mostly northward following the
passages. However there were brief periods of southward Bz with maximum deflections to minus 12
nT (GSM).
There were no proton events at geo-synchronous orbit.
Greater than 2 MeV electron fluxes at geo-synchronous orbit were at normal to moderate levels.
Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled levels during the first half of 29 July, then
increased to unsettled to active levels following a weak sudden impulse (SI) at 29/1330 UTC (9 nT,
Boulder USGS magnetometer). Field activity decreased to quiet to unsettled levels during 30 - 31
July. Activity increased to unsettled to minor storm levels on 01 August following a SI at 01/0511
UTC (26 nT, Boulder USGS magnetometer). Another SI was observed at 01/2313 UTC (66 nT,
Boulder USGS magnetometer). Field activity ranged from quiet to major storm levels on 02 August.
Field activity ranged from quiet to minor storm levels during 03 - 04 August.

Space Weather Outlook
07 August - 02 September 2002
Solar activity is expected to range from low to moderate levels. Isolated low-level M-class flares are
expected during the period. However, there is a chance for isolated major flare activity during the
second half of the period with the return of old Regions 39 and 44.
There will be a chance for a proton event during the latter half of the period.
Greater than 2 MeV flux levels are expected to be at normal to moderate levels during most of the
period.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels during most of the period.
However, active conditions are possible during 7 - 8 and 23 August due to coronal hole effects.
SWO PRF 1405 06 August 2002
1

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