A statistical analysis of solar flares in 1996 – 2002

The sunspot relative numbers in the southern and northern hemispheres as well as the characteristics and asymmetry of solar X-ray flares with importance classes (Impʹs)≤ M1.0 in the years 1996–2002 are analyzed. The results show that the degree of solar flare activity increased alternately in the two hemispheres. Before July 2001, flare activity was stronger in the northern than in the southern hemisphere, but beginning in July 2001 it is the other way round. In this paper, the monthly flare indices in the two hemispheres in 1996–2001 are analyzed. July 2000 was the month with the largest flare index and the largest monthly mean sunspot relative number in the 23rd cycle.