Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory measures the strongest Solar event so far in the current Solar cycle
11.06.2014
On June 10, 2014, Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory measured the strongest burst so far in the current Solar cycle in an active region, a Sunspot, called AR12087. Its strength was classified as X2.2 and it was proceeded with another strong burst with a strength of X1.5. The type X bursts are the strongest of all Solar bursts. The time of occurrence of the two events were 11:36-11:42 UT and 12:36-12:52 UT. It is highly atypical that such strong bursts follow each other within a short time period as this.
The active region, AR12087, can be seen in the radio frequency 37 GHz, in the left side of the Solar map (Figure 1). Both events were also measured at a lower frequency of 11.2 GHz (Figure 2). The stronger, X2.2, event was visible even in the dm range of the Callisto system (Figure 3). All of the Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory's measurement devices used for Solar research caught the activity, which is quite remarkable.
In the current Solar cycle there might have been stronger bursts, but this is the most powerful event measured at Metsähovi. The strong Solar activity continues even at the moment.
Figure 1. The Solar map measured on June 10, 2014. Note the active region, AR12087, on the left.
Figure 2. The X2.2 and X1.5 Solar events measured at 11.2 GHz.
Figure 3. The X2.2 Solar event measured by the Callisto system.
For more information about the event contact:
PhD Juha Kallunki
juha.kallunki [at] aalto [dot] fi
+358-29-4424852
More information about Solar research at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory can be found here:
http://metsahovi.aalto.fi/en/research/projects/solar_radio/