Yes / In this paper, a machine-learning-based system that could provide automated short-term solar flare prediction is presented. This system accepts two sets of inputs: McIntosh classification of sunspot groups and solar cycle data. In order to establish a correlation between solar flares and sunspot groups, the system explores the publicly available solar catalogues from the National Geophysical Data Center to associate sunspots with their corresponding flares based on their timing and NOAA numbers. The McIntosh classification for every relevant sunspot is extracted and converted to a numerical format that is suitable for machine learning algorithms. Using this system we aim to predict whether a certain sunspot class at a certain time is likely to produce a significant flare within six hours time and if so whether this flare is going to be an X or M flare. Machine learning algorithms such as Cascade-Correlation Neural Networks (CCNNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFN) are optimised and then compared to determine the learning algorithm that would provide the best prediction performance. It is concluded that SVMs provide the best performance for predicting whether a McIntosh classified sunspot group is going to flare or not but CCNNs are more capable of predicting the class of the flare to erupt. A hybrid system that combines a SVM and a CCNN is suggested for future use. / EPSRC

yes / This paper presents a hybrid system for automatic detection and McIntosh-based classification of sunspot groups on SOHO/MDI white-light images using active-region data extracted from SOHO/MDI magnetogram images. After sunspots are detected from MDI white-light images they are grouped/clustered using MDI magnetogram images. By integrating image-processing and neural network techniques, detected sunspot regions are classified automatically according to the McIntosh classification system. Our results show that the automated grouping and classification of sunspots is possible with a high success rate when compared to the existing manually created catalogues. In addition, our system can detect and classify sunspot groups in their early stages, which are usually missed by human observers. / EPSRC