MM#003 Major Flare Watch

Dear RHESSI Collaborators,

Target region, NOAA 2242, was the source of an X1.8/3b event at 12/20/00:27 UT. 2242 is maintaining its large complex E-type/beta-gamma-delta sunspot group and bright dynamic H-alpha plage. NOAA 2241, S09W16, is also an E-type/beta-gamma-delta region but has been quiescent since the M6.9 event on 12/18. 2242 has the potential to produce another major flare in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The position of NOAA 2242 on December 20 at 16:30 UT is: S18W39 (Solar X = 585", Solar Y = -282")

See http://www.SolarMonitor.org for images and http://solar.physics.montana.edu/max_millennium/ops/observing.shtml for a description of the current Max Millennium Observing Plan.

Regards,

Bill Marquette (Helio Research)