Sunspot region 2192 (now the largest sunspot region of this solar cycle) produced a major X1.67 solar flare (R3-strong radio blackout) at 14:28 UTC. This was the second and also the strongest X-class solar flare from this sunspot region and the 19th strongest solar flare of the current solar cycle. Sunspot region 2192 was also the source of two M-class solar flares today: M8.7 at 01:59 UTC and M2.7 at 05:17 UTC.

Coronagraph imagery is not yet available to confirm the launch of a coronal mass ejection but the lack of any significant coronal dimming (traces in the solar corona of ejected material) suggests there might not be a major coronal mass ejection associated with this event despite the long duration of the solar flare. The magnetic loops holding this group together just do not want to break and release a coronal mass ejection it seems, just like all other previous solar flares (including today's M-class solar flares) also failed to produce a coronal mass ejection. This is a shame as sunspot region 2192 is now in a great position for any eruptions to be earth-directed but we do need to wait for coronagraph imagery from SOHO to be 100% sure that there is again no coronal mass ejection.

ALERT: X-Ray Flux exceeded M5
Threshold Reached: 2014 Oct 22 1409 UTC
NOAA Scale: R2 - Moderate

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2014 Oct 22 1405 UTC
Maximum Time: 2014 Oct 22 1406 UTC
End Time: 2014 Oct 22 1409 UTC
Duration: 4 minutes
Peak Flux: 200 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 199 sfu