:Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2001 May 08 2112 UT

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity

30 April - 06 May 2001



Solar activity ranged from low to moderate levels. Region 9433 (N17,

L = 153, class/area Fki/1070 on 25 April), which had been in a

process of gradual decay since producing a major flare on 26 April,

crossed the west limb on 01 May. It produced isolated low-level

M-class flares during 01 - 02 May as it crossed the west limb (see

the Energetic Events list for flare specifics). This region was also

responsible for multiple CME events observed from beyond the west

limb during 02 - 03 May. Activity decreased to low levels on 03 May

with isolated C-class subflares, mostly from Regions 9445 (N25, L =

027, class/area Fai/390 on 01 May) and 9447 (N12, L = 061,

class/area Eai/260 on 04 May), both of which were moderate-sized

with a slight degree of magnetic complexity. These regions were

gradually decaying at the close of the period.



Data were available from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)

spacecraft for most of the period. No significant disturbances were

observed in the solar wind flow during the period.



There were no proton events during the period.



The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at

normal levels.



Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled levels.



Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity

09 May - 04 June 2001



Solar activity is expected to range from low to moderate levels

during the period. Isolated M-class flares will be possible 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 normal to moderate levels during most of the

period.



The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels

during the period (barring an Earth-directed CME).





.