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 17, 2002 Shift Report
--------------------------

 Solar proton flux is very high, but starting to drop off. We ran SCS 107 
to safe the instruments. Solar x-ray flux portends more for 19 Apr.

 There is a long duration M class flare in progress accompanied
by a full halo CME. Its effects will likely arrive at the Earth on April 19.
GOES x-ray flux is presently very high, C-M class, 3-4 hr duration.

Apr 18, 2002 Shift Report
-------------------------

 Soft proton levels are now high (around 8000) and are expected to remain so 
(or increase) for the next several days as the effects of yesterday's long 
duration M class flare and associated full halo CME reach the earth.