Last updated 03 Feb 2012 00:03 UT No Theophrastus forecast. No white light observations possible as of Friday, 3 February 2012 9:14:22 AM EST. The flare prediction system Theophrastus is a US expert system which uses the McIntosh spot classification system, historical flare rates, spot growth and spot activity (ie rotation, magnetic shear) to estimate flare probabilities.(Ref. McIntosh, P.S. 1990, Sol Phys., 125,251)