:Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2001 Feb 13 2112 UT
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
05 - 11 February 2001

Solar activity was low with isolated B- and C-class subflares
observed daily. Region 9335 (N09, L = 062, class/area Eao/100 on 06
February) was the principal flare producer during 05 - 08 February
as it grew at a gradual pace. Its largest flare was a C8/1f at
05/1520 UTC associated with a Type II radio sweep. Region 9335
slowly decayed during the rest of the period. Region 9338 (S19, L =
052, class/area Dao/210 on 11 February) became active on 09
February, as it produced isolated C-class subflares during a
relatively brief period of growth. Region 9338 stabilized on 11
February. Region 9346 (N18, L = 104, class/area Bxo/030 on 09
February) produced the most interesting event of the period, A C6/1f
flare at 11/0123 UTC associated with a Type II radio sweep, halo
CME, and a proton flux enhancement. Region 9346 was in a state of
gradual decay and nearing the west limb at the time of the flare.

Data were available from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
spacecraft for most of the period. Limited data were available from
ACE during 05 - 08 February due to spacecraft maneuvers. However,
SOHO/MTOF data were available during this interval. A high speed
stream was observed during 06 - 07 February with velocities peaking
at around 520 km/sec on 06 February. IMF Bz became southward at the
onset of the stream with maximum deflections to minus 16 nT (GSM).
Nominal solar wind conditions were observed during the rest of the
period.

A greater than 10 MeV proton flux enhancement at geosynchronous orbit
began on 11 February following the C6/1f flare from Region 9346.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at
normal levels during the period.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels during most of
the period with brief, isolated active periods detected on 06 and 11
February.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
14 February - 12 March 2001

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels during most of the
period. However, there will be a slight chance for an isolated
M-class flare sometime during the period.

No proton events are expected during the period.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is
expected to be at mostly normal levels.

Geomagnetic field activity may increase to unsettled to active levels
during 14 - 15 February. Otherwise, the field is expected to be
largely undisturbed (barring an Earth-directed CME).

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