On the dependence of solar flare occurrence on sunspot polarity

Abstract

The possibility of predicting flare occurrence on the sun has been examined. It is noticed that the p-polarity dominant spot groups are more productive of flares than the f-polarity dominant spot groups. This high productivity of p-polarity dominant spot groups has been interpreted in terms of (i) high rates of new magnetic flux eruption within the p-polarity dominant spot groups, and (ii) newly erupted magnetic flux triggering flares (cf. Heyvaerts et al. 1977). Moreover, the productivities of all group types are dependent on the magnetic field strength of the spot groups.