Solar longitudinal distribution of solar flares in association with Forbush decreases

Abstract

Solar flares are complex transient excitation of the solar atmosphere above magnetically active region of the solar surface. In the present study major solar flare events have been utilized to study their longitudinal frequency distribution in eastern and western hemisphere of the sun. A statistical study has been done to derive their association with Sudden Storm

Commencements (SSCs) and Forbush decreases (Fds) for the period of solar cycle 22 (1986 to February, 1996) and recent period of solar cycle 23 (March, 1996 to August, 2003). It has been noted that large number of solar flares in the solar western hemisphere are found to be associated with Forbush decreases. It is found for solar cycle 22 that the number of solar

flares (Fd associated) that occurred in western hemisphere is larger as compared to that in eastern hemisphere. Number of SSC associated solar flares are also found to be larger in the solar western hemisphere.