A developing active sunspot complex appear poised to produce potentially significant energetic solar flare activity over the coming days. Observers interested in monitoring solar activity are encouraged to pay close attention to active Region 9906, now transiting the south-central portion of the solar disk. Complete details, as well as a map showing the location of this spot complex, are available at: http://www.spacew/com/astroalert.html. Any observed energetic activity from this spot complex over the coming days may be associated with Earthward directed coronal mass ejections which may produce enhancements in auroral activity ("northern lights"). The trajectory of any ejected mass could be fairly heavily directed Earthward. Apr 22, 2002 shift report ------------------------- Radiation discussion: A radiation discussion was held after this morning's 9am status meeting. Curent soft proton rates are at 8000 and rising. EPHIN rates as of last COMM were way above trip levels and GOES-8/10 predictors of EPHIN rates were high as well, but decreasing slowly. Shock from April 21 CME should pass sometime today and rates should begin to drop more rapidly. A replan load (APR2302) is in preparation. Nominal plan will start observations after next perigee passage, at about 113:2130, with obsid 3476 (not run in APR20 load). Pool targets 3022 and 3033 will be dropped from this load. Extra COMM (DSS-66) is being requested to cover the startup in real-time, allowing a decision to start or not based on post-perigee EPHIN rates. This option would not permit an outbound ACIS CTI run from the load. A real-time CTI run startup is being considered, started during the 1600-1700 DSS-54 pass. A backup to this plan would be to start 12 hours later. Apr 23, 2002 shift report ------------------------- Radiation Discussion: E-mail load review of APR2302B in process, load should be ready by noon. First commanding in APR2302B is at 113:2130. Plan is to uplink and activate at start of today's 4:35EDT pass (113:2035-2135), after assessment of radiation situation. Current radiation situation: - EPHIN levels below triggers during last pass (before radiation zone entry): E1300=4.2/10=.42; P4GM=75/300=.25(GOES=.28->.17@11:45); P41GM=6.6/8.5=.78(GOES=.90->.55@11:45). - GOES rates continue to decline - Shock passed at about 113:0200, soft protons decreasing slowly since then. Flux now at 51,0000 113:1400). APR23 load includes ACIS/HETG and HRC observations which reduce level of radiation exposure for ACIS, should be OK to start observations if trends continue. Rob will assess fluence expected for next orbit and present at 4:30 telecon. Apr 24, 2002 shift report -------------------------- Radiation Discussion: First commanding in APR2302B is at 113:2130. Plan is to uplink and activate at start of today's 4:35EDT pass (113:2035-2135), after assessment of radiation situation. Current radiation situation: - EPHIN levels not meaningful due to perigee passage - GOES rates continue to decline. Levels currently predict EPHIN rates below trigger levels. - Shock passed at about 113:0200, soft protons decreasing slowly since then. Flux now down to ~35k 113:1700). APR23 load includes ACIS/HETG and HRC observations which reduce level of radiation exposure for ACIS, should be OK to start observations if trends continue. Rob will assess fluence expected for next orbit and present at 4:30 telecon.