:Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2001 Feb 28 2112 UT
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
19 - 25 February 2001

Solar activity was low during most of the time, briefly dipping to
very low levels on the last day of the period. Most of the sunspot
groups were small and simply structured. The exception was Region
9354 (S09, L = 284, class/area Dao/240 on 25 February), which was a
moderate-sized group that showed gradual development through 23
February as it produced isolated B- and C-class subflares. It was
stable during 24 - 25 February as it approached the west limb.

Data were available from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
spacecraft for most of the period. Minor changes were observed in
the solar wind flow. No significant transients or high-speed streams
were evident.

There were no proton events detected at geosynchronous orbit.

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

Geomagnetic field activity was at mostly quiet to unsettled levels.
Isolated active periods occurred on 20, 21, and 23 February related
to minor changes in the solar wind flow.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
28 February - 26 March 2001

Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels. There
will be a slight to fair chance for isolated M-class flares during
the period. An increasing trend will be possible during the latter
half of the period.

No proton events are expected during the period. However, chances for
a proton event may increase during the latter half of the period.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is
expected to be at normal levels during most of the period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled
levels, barring an Earth-directed CME.

.