Solar Latitudinal Distribution of Solar Flares around the Sun and Their Association with Forbush Decreases during the Period of 1986 to 2003

Abstract

Solar flare events of high importance were utilised to study solar latitudinal frequency distribution of the solar flares in northern and southern hemisphere for the solar cycle 22 to recent solar cycle 23. A statistical analysis was performed to obtain their relationship with sudden storm commencement (SSCs) and Forbush decrease events (Fd) of cosmic ray intensity. An 11-year cyclic variation pattern was seen in occurrence of number of events for solar flares, SSCs and Fds. It was noted that number of solar flares (Fd associated) occurred in southern hemisphere was larger as compared to that in northern hemisphere for the solar cycle 22. Situation reversed, as we associated SSCs and Fds. Northern hemisphere was found more active for the solar cycle 23.