Number 1162 enlarges sunspot complex on the Sun- flare threat increases

     

ANOTHER X-FLARE–ALMOST: Fast-growing sunspot complex 1161-1162 erupted on Feb. 18th, producing an M6.6-class solar flare. The almost-X category blast was one of the strongest flares in years and continued the week-long trend of high solar activity. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of more M-flares during the next 24 hours. Sunspot 1162 is the latest sunspot to form on the Sun today. Sunspot complex 1161-1162 poses a growing threat for Earth-directed solar flares.  –Space Weather

The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is a part of the Sun’s magnetic field that is carried into interplanetary space by the solar wind.

Interplanetary Mag. Field
B_total: 12.8 nT
B_z: 3.9 nT south