Astronomy/Auroras
Auroras / T Corona Borealis Hot Links
Auroras / T Corona Borealis Hot Links
The sun has been active firing off strong G class (G3 – G5) and extreme X strength Coronal Mass Ejections sending plasma to Earth and bringing the Aurora Borealis as far south as Florida.
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Aurora Photography
| Articles | Date |
|---|---|
| Where and how to photograph the aurora / Space | August 30, 2024 |
| Aurora season is here — What to expect from the northern lights in 2024/25 / Space | August 3, 2024 |
Auroras
Solar Activity — 2025
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2025
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G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming continues, G4 (Severe) still expected / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic conditions have been observed over the last couple periods. With the impending arrival of the 11 Nov CME later today, elevated geomagnetic storm levels is likely to carry over into 14 Nov (UTC day). |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 22:36 UTC |
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CME Passage Continues; G1-G4 Levels Possible Through the Night! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CME passage continues and G1-G4 (Minor-Severe) storm levels are expected to continue to occur throughout the overnight. Follow spaceweather.gov for the latest updates. |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 22:36 UTC |
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G1-G3 Still Likely Tonight, 12 Nov, with G4 Still Possible / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Final CME arrived and passing over Earth now. Conditions generally weakening, but variable. Strong solar wind speed and periods of favorable magnetic field orientation are driving up geomagnetic storms to G1-G3; with G4 still possible tonight. Stay aware at spaceweather.gov |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 22:35 UTC |
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G4 Watch Continues into 13 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 Watch continues into 13 November. We have seen the final CME arrive and are now waiting to see just how much magnetic energy exists within. We know the potential for another G4 exists, but we’ll have to wait for any related warnings. Stay aware at spaceweather (link is external) |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 22:35 UTC |
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Veteran’s Day fireworks! X5.1 flare (R3-Strong) from Region 4274 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 4274 produced an X5.1 flare at 11/1004 UTC. One of the strongest flares of the cycle. More information will follow in subsequent posts. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 15:06 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Storm Levels Reached! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 (Severe) storm levels reached on 12 November at 0120 UTC (8:20pm EST)! Geomagnetic storm conditions are anticipated to continue into the night. Stay informed at spaceweather.gov for the latest. The included aurora images are of the aurora shining over northeastern Colorado. |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:32 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Watch in Effect for 12 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic Storm Watches in Effect, to include G4 (Severe) potential for 12 November. The current list of Watches include: 11 Nov G2 (Moderate); 12 Nov G4 (Severe); and 13 Nov G3 (Strong). These Watches are in response to potential geomagnetic storm effects related to coronal mass ejections (CME) that have erupted from the Sun over the past several days. These events include CME activity from 9 November through the early morning of 12 November. The most recent CME occurred early on 11 Nov and is the most energetic and fastest of the CMEs. This CME was associated with an X5.1 solar flare (R3; Strong) that peaked at 1004 UTC (5:04 am EST) on 11 Nov. This CME is also associated with a moderate level solar radiation storm (S2) that is currently in progress. The forecast is tough due to this latest CME’s predominant ejecta aimed north and ahead of Earth’s orbit; additionally the previous CMEs are in the mix and anticipated to have some Earth-arrival influences prior to the 12 Nov CME arrival. Confidence in an Earth-component to the most recent CME is high, while timing has a moderate level of certainty. As always with these events, the intensity of the CME will not be know with better certainty until it arrives 1 million miles from Earth and is observed by the solar wind observatories at that location. It is at that point that any needed Warning decisions can be made by SWPC forecasters. So, for now, SWPC believes there is a potential for G4 levels upon CME arrival and/or as the CME passage progresses. Stay space weather aware and follow the latest information, forecasts, and updates at spaceweather.gov |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:32 UTC |
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Another X flare from Active Region 4274 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Deja vu! Exactly 26 hours after Active Region 4274 produced an X1.7 flare, it generated an X1.2 flare (R3-Strong on the NOAA Scales). This flare occurred at 10/0919 UTC and was accompanied by several radio signatures that can indicate different effects, to include HF radio blackouts. As Region 4274 continues to maintain a complex magnetic structure, additional flares are possible for the next 24-48 hours. Stay tuned to our website for updates! |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:35 UTC |
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Disturbed Space Weather continues through 10 Nov / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A fast solar wind stream continues to buffet Earth and another grazing from a 07 Nov CME is expected on 10 Nov. Minor to Moderate geomagnetic storm periods are expected over the next three days. |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:35 UTC |
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Geomagnetic Storm Watches for 11-13 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) are anticipated to impact Earth later on 11 November on into 13 November. Therefore, geomagnetic storm Watches have been posted as: G2-Moderate for 11 Nov; G3-Strong for 12 Nov; and G1-Minor for 13 Nov. Analyses of these events continues due to the large range of potential outcomes from these events and how they may interact upon arrival at Earth, therefore, there is a moderate level of uncertainty regarding the forecast. However, there is a fair amount of consensus regarding timing for the most recent, 10 Nov CME. Current forecast reasoning is that the CME from 9 Nov is moving at a much slower speed than the CME from 10 Nov. While, there is uncertainty as to whether the second, faster CME will catch up to the first before any Earth component arrival, there would likely not be too much time in between CME arrivals. Once SWPC forecasters have made a decision on the final, most likely outcome, the forecast will be updated accordingly and the best solution WSA-Enlil model run will be posted. So, stay space weather aware by continuing to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather information at spaceweather.gov |
Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:34 UTC |
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Another, Faster Moving CME Blasts from the Sun Early on 11 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An energetic and fast moving CME has blasted from the Sun early on 11 November. SWPC forecasters are evaluating the situation and will make any needed geomagnetic storm watch adjustments soon. There are still two other CMEs that are anticipated to affect Earth - the CMEs from 9 and 10 November. This is making for a very complicated and difficult forecast and SWPC forecasters are hard at work this Veteran’s Day sorting together to create an updated forecast.. Stay space weather aware by continuing to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather information at spaceweather.gov |
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 18:36 UTC |
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G3 and G2 Watches for November 7th and 8th / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A coronal mass ejection (CME) is still anticipated to impact Earth as early as Thursday evening, 6 November EST. Therefore we have a G3 (Strong) Watch in effect on the 6 and 7 November UTC-days. There is a fair measure of confidence in a Earth-directed aspect to this CME and a moderate level of confidence in timing of the CME arrival - which we anticipate with a range from as early as Thursday evening to Friday morning EST. However, as is usual with these events, we have less confidence in the intensity of the resultant geomagnetic storm upon eventual CME arrival and passage. We have to wait until the CME arrives at the solar wind observatory spacecraft located at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is 1 million miles from Earth to actually realize what the intensity of the CME is - this is when we will finally know the true speed, magnetic strength, and magnetic field orientation of the CME. All these factors contribute to any needed Warning decisions. This is why accurate observations from that L1 location are so critical and why a much needed replacement in SWFO-L1 is warranted. The normal order of events for a CME impact at Earth are the arrival of the shock front followed later by the magnetic cloud. CME shock arrival can lead to immediate and sudden escalated geomagnetic responses. After shock passage, the strong magnetic field contained within the CME arrives some time later, that is when geomagnetic activity can increase dramatically if the magnetic field is favorable (aligned opposite Earth’s). The second, slower CME is anticipated to arrive on 8 November and therefore, a G2 (Moderate) Watch is now in effect for that day. Now we continue to await CME arrival at L1, so continue to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather warnings and alerts - NOAA SWPC - for the latest. |
Monday, November 10, 2025 21:25 UTC |
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Space Weather Update for 6 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G3 (Strong) Watch continues for the remainder of today, 6 November, and also for 7 November. We are still anticipating the arrival the more Earth-directed CME from early 5 November and the Watch remains in effect for that expected partial arrival at Earth. Continue to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather warnings and alerts here at our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, November 10, 2025 21:25 UTC |
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X1.7 flare (R3-Strong) from Region 4274 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 4274, located near center disk, produced an X1.7 flare (R3 Strong on the NOAA scales) at approximately 09/0735 UTC. The flare was accompanied by several discrete radio sweeps and bursts that are inherent with flares of this magnitude. Analysis of any potential CMEs will be accomplished as imagery becomes available. Forecasters continue to monitor the situation for additional flares and potential CME activity. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Monday, November 10, 2025 21:24 UTC |
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One CME passed, more on the way. / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center EVENTS: Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are eruptions of solar material and strong magnetic fields. When they arrive at Earth, a geomagnetic storm can result. Fast wind streams from features called Coronal Holes can also drive geomagnetic storms. Earth is currently experiencing the impacts from both. EXPECTATIONS: A fast solar wind stream is expected to continue to influence Earth’s magnetic field. One CME appears to have passed with little additional impact. Another CME is anticipated on 08 Nov and two more were launched overnight. The latest CMEs are being analyzed and modeled. EFFECTS: Limited, minor effects to some technological infrastructure possible, but usually mitigatable. Aurora visibility will vary based on storm strength. Monitor our website for updates and Aurora model output. |
Sunday, November 09, 2025 18:42 UTC |
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X1.7 flare (R3-Strong) from Region 4274 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 4274, located near center disk, produced an X1.7 flare (R3 Strong on the NOAA scales) at approximately 09/0735 UTC. The flare was accompanied by several discrete radio sweeps and bursts that are inherent with flares of this magnitude. Analysis of any potential CMEs will be accomplished as imagery becomes available. Forecasters continue to monitor the situation for additional flares and potential CME activity. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Sunday, November 09, 2025 09:14 UTC |
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Disturbed Space Weather continues through 10 Nov / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A fast solar wind stream continues to buffet Earth and another grazing from a 07 Nov CME is expected on 10 Nov. Minor to Moderate geomagnetic storm periods are expected over the next three days. |
Saturday, November 08, 2025 15:10 UTC |
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G3 and G2 Watches for November 7th and 8th / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A coronal mass ejection (CME) is still anticipated to impact Earth as early as Thursday evening, 6 November EST. Therefore we have a G3 (Strong) Watch in effect on the 6 and 7 November UTC-days. There is a fair measure of confidence in a Earth-directed aspect to this CME and a moderate level of confidence in timing of the CME arrival - which we anticipate with a range from as early as Thursday evening to Friday morning EST. However, as is usual with these events, we have less confidence in the intensity of the resultant geomagnetic storm upon eventual CME arrival and passage. We have to wait until the CME arrives at the solar wind observatory spacecraft located at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is 1 million miles from Earth to actually realize what the intensity of the CME is - this is when we will finally know the true speed, magnetic strength, and magnetic field orientation of the CME. All these factors contribute to any needed Warning decisions. This is why accurate observations from that L1 location are so critical and why a much needed replacement in SWFO-L1 is warranted. The normal order of events for a CME impact at Earth are the arrival of the shock front followed later by the magnetic cloud. CME shock arrival can lead to immediate and sudden escalated geomagnetic responses. After shock passage, the strong magnetic field contained within the CME arrives some time later, that is when geomagnetic activity can increase dramatically if the magnetic field is favorable (aligned opposite Earth’s). The second, slower CME is anticipated to arrive on 8 November and therefore, a G2 (Moderate) Watch is now in effect for that day. Now we continue to await CME arrival at L1, so continue to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather warnings and alerts - NOAA SWPC - for the latest. |
Thursday, November 06, 2025 21:55 UTC |
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G3 Watch for 6 and 7 November UTC-Days / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A coronal mass ejection (CME) is anticipated to impact Earth as early as Thursday evening, 6 November EST. Therefore we have a G3 (Strong) Watch in effect on the 6 and 7 November UTC-days. There is a fair measure of confidence in a Earth-directed aspect to this CME and a moderate level of confidence in timing of the CME arrival - which we anticipate with a range from as early as Thursday evening to Friday morning EST. However, as is usual with these events, we have less confidence in the intensity of the resultant geomagnetic storm upon eventual CME arrival and passage. Therefore, this G3 Watch represents our forecast based on potential. We have to wait until the CME arrives at the solar wind observatory spacecraft located at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is 1 million miles from Earth to actually realize what the intensity of the CME is - this is when we will finally know the true speed, magnetic strength, and magnetic field orientation of the CME. All these factors contribute to any needed Warning decisions. This is why accurate observations from that L1 location are so critical and why a much needed replacement in SWFO-L1 is warranted. The normal order of events for a CME impact at Earth are the arrival of the shock front followed later by the magnetic cloud. CME shock arrival can lead to immediate and sudden escalated geomagnetic responses. After shock passage, the strong magnetic field contained within the CME arrives some time later, that is when geomagnetic activity can increase dramatically if the magnetic field is favorable (aligned opposite Earth’s). Now we await the CME arrival at L1, so continue to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather warnings and alerts - NOAA SWPC - for the latest. |
Thursday, November 06, 2025 21:55 UTC |
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Space Weather Update for 6 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G3 (Strong) Watch continues for the remainder of today, 6 November, and also for 7 November. We are still anticipating the arrival the more Earth-directed CME from early 5 November and the Watch remains in effect for that expected partial arrival at Earth. Continue to visit the Nation’s official source for space weather warnings and alerts here at our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Thursday, November 06, 2025 20:16 UTC |
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R3 Event Occurred on 4 November, 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 Event occurred today, 4 Nov at approximately 12:34 EST from Region 4274. The last time we hit an R3 level was June 19th of this year. We are still awaiting to see if a CME was associated with this event. Stay aware at](spaceweather.gov) |
Tuesday, November 04, 2025 17:56 UTC |
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Region 4274 Continues to Dominate the Forecast / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 4274 continues to be the source for solar flare activity and its complexity has increased. Stay informed at](spaceweather.gov) |
Tuesday, November 04, 2025 15:02 UTC |
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SWFO-L1 Mission Continues on Schedule / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Everything still looks great as the SWFO-L1 spacecraft continues its journey to its final position at Lagrange Point 1 (L1). |
Monday, November 03, 2025 18:37 UTC |
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SWFO-L1 Successfully Launched! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWFO-L1 successfully launched at 7:32am EDT on Wednesday, 24 September, 2025! Mission managers successfully received acquisition of signal from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Follow-On Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) spacecraft. The spacecraft is the first NOAA satellite designed specifically for and fully dedicated to continuous, operational space weather observations. The SWFO-L1 satellite will monitor the Sun’s outer atmosphere for large eruptions, called coronal mass ejections, and measure the solar wind upstream from Earth with a state-of-the-art suite of instruments and processing system. The data will provide early warnings for destructive space weather events that could impact our technological dependent infrastructure and industries, and will be used by SWPC to notify these sectors with advanced and timely notice. The observatory is expected to reach Lagrange point 1 in January 2026, which is nearly a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. It will complete commissioning in mid-2026 and transition to the satellite’s operational phase. NOAA and NASA have important and complementary responsibilities in the development, testing, launch, and operation of SWFO-L1. |
Monday, November 03, 2025 18:17 UTC |
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Earth Makes Appearances in GOES-19 CCOR-1 Imagery / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CCOR-1 is a unique instrument being the first operational dedicated coronagraph to support space weather forecasting. It is also the first coronagraph to fly in geostationary orbit around Earth, and this leads to a number of unique features to its observations. Other coronagraphs have observed from the Lagrange-1 point, 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth in the direction of the Sun, well beyond the orbit of the Moon. Since CCOR-1 rides on the GOES-19 satellite, well within the Moon’s orbit, the Moon sometimes makes appearances in the field of view. The combined motion of GOES-19 and the Moon can make it seem to have curved or even looping paths. Another consequence of its proximity to Earth is sunlight that is reflected from the Earth’s natural albedo (e.g. clouds, snow, ice, oceans, etc.) can impact CCOR-1 observations. This reflected sunlight, called Earthshine, impacts CCOR-1 observations primarily during sunrise hours and the degree of the impact depends on the time of year. The effects are most pronounced around the equinoxes in March and September and gradually decay into the solstices. During periods around the equinoxes the Earth can block the sun from CCOR-1’s field of view and in difference images CCOR-1 is sensitive enough to show the nighttime city lights on the planet below. And of course, the CCOR-1 will show the usual moving objects in space, such as planets, comets, satellites, and maybe, once in a while, a tiny piece of space debris. There are also static or fixed artifacts, such as the dark “collar” around the base of the occulting disk that can be seen when the background is bright. Scientists are working to mitigate Earthshine. |
Monday, November 03, 2025 17:42 UTC |
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The NESDIS launch website for SWFO-L1 is now live! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Explore here how this next-generation operational space weather satellite will help safeguard our critical infrastructure from solar storms. |
Wednesday, October 08, 2025 15:29 UTC |
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New Coronagraph Page Available / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC is excited to announce an improvement to the coronagraph imagery available on our webpage. The new Coronagraph page is now available and include GOES-19 CCOR-1 and SOHO/LASCO C2 and C3) in separate tabs for easy choices. The default display when going to the new Coronagraph page will be CCOR-1. Additionally, GOES-19 is now fully operational as the new GOES East (replacing GOES-16) and the primary space weather instrument, while GOES-18 continues as GOES West and remains the backup space weather platform. The prior LASCO Coronagraph imagery imagery page will be removed in the near future. |
Wednesday, October 08, 2025 15:29 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Warning 02 Oct / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming is expected through Oct 02/1200 UTC due to sustained high speed streams influences associated with a positive polarity coronal hole located at the center of the solar disk. A G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch remains in place thereafter. |
Thursday, October 02, 2025 14:15 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Conditions Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm conditions were observed at 30/0525 UTC due to persistent CME influences. G3 levels are expected through 30/1200 UTC. |
Wednesday, October 01, 2025 05:48 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storming Expected 30 Sep / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming is expected through 30/1200 UTC due to CME influences. |
Wednesday, October 01, 2025 05:47 UTC |
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SWFO-L1 Now Set to Launch on Wednesday, 24 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWFO-L1 is onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and systems are in final stages of preparation for launch. The launch was postponed to Wednesday, 24 September at 7:30 am EDT to allow more time for recovery assets to arrive at the landing zone. The rocket and all three spacecraft (NASA’s IMAP and Carruthers, and NOAA’s SWFO-L1) remain healthy and the weather outlook is 90% favorable for the new launch date and time. SWFO-L1 is a critical replacement for aged research solar wind and coronagraph observatories at the highly important Lagrange Point 1 (L1) orbital location. SWFO-L1 has the latest technology and enhancements for more accurate solar wind measurements. Also, its included compact coronagraph will allow for more timely and better resolution observations of solar eruptions known as coronal mass ejections (CME) that can pound Earth and lead to intense geomagnetic storms that have the potential to affect many critical technologies we rely upon today - such as the electric power grid. NOAA’s SWFO-L1 will be busy doing its part to safeguard society a million miles from home with its essential space weather observations that will be used by SWPC to help protect national critical infrastructure with actionable space weather observations, forecasts, and warnings. |
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 14:05 UTC |
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SWFO-L1 Spacecraft Launch Scheduled for Tuesday, 23 Sep, Morning / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWFO-L1 is onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and is in final stages of preparation for the Tuesday morning launch. SWFO-L1 is a critical replacement for aged research solar wind and coronagraph observatories at the highly important Lagrange Point 1 (L1) orbital location. SWFO-L1 includes the latest technology and enhancements for more accurate solar wind measurements. Also, its included compact coronagraph will allow for more timely and better resolution observations of solar eruptions known as coronal mass ejections (CME) that can pound Earth and lead to intense geomagnetic storms that have the potential to affect many critical technologies we rely upon today - such as the electric power grid. NOAA’s SWFO-L1 will be busy doing its part to safeguard society a million miles from home with its essential space weather observations that will be used by SWPC to help protect national critical infrastructure with actionable space weather observations, forecasts, and warnings. |
Monday, September 22, 2025 18:14 UTC |
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SWFO-L1 Arrives in Florida for Final Launch Prep / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center NOAA’s SWFO-L1 spacecraft - the first satellite fully dedicated to operational space weather forecasting - has arrived in Florida to begin launch preparations. Set to launch with NASA’s IMAP mission no earlier than September, SWFO-L1 will journey a million miles to L1 to deliver real-time observations of the Sun and solar wind to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Read more about it here from NOAA NESDIS! |
Monday, September 22, 2025 14:22 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm levels reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm levels were reached at 15/0259 UTC (2259 EDT on 14 Sep) following the onset of increased solar winds from a coronal hole high speed stream. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Thursday, September 18, 2025 12:31 UTC |
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CME Arrival at Earth Occurred about 5pm EDT on Sep 1, 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The CME arrived near 4:30pm EDT on 1 Sep, 2025, at the L1 orbital point - 1 million miles from Earth. It arrived at Earth very near 5:00pm EDT as noted by the GOES satellites’ magnetometers. Warnings will be issued as appropriate - so stay informed by visiting our SWPC webpage. |
Thursday, September 04, 2025 07:52 UTC |
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What to Know about the Labor Day-Night G2-G3 Storm Watches / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC notifies critical infrastructure operators about these storms. Those interested in seeing aurora should visit our webpage at spaceweather.gov to follow latest updates; and follow the local weather forecasts for cloud forecast conditions. |
Thursday, September 04, 2025 07:52 UTC |
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G2 (Moderate) G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 01/02 Sep 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 4199 produced a long-duration M2.7 flare that peaked at approximately 30/2002 UTC. An associated full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in coronagraph imagery beginning around 30/2015 UTC. The CME was analyzed and is expected to impact Earth late on 01 Sep into early 02 Sep (UTC). Current modeling suggests G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming is likely late on 01 Sep as the CME initially reaches Earth, with subsequent G3 (Strong) storm conditions likely to follow on 02 Sep as the bulk of the storm passes. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Thursday, September 04, 2025 07:52 UTC |
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Speedy CME Erupts from the Far-Side of the Sun on 21 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center During the early morning hours of 21 Aug, a fairly fast coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the far-side of the Sun. Initial measurements of the estimated speed suggest it could be traveling at over 3,000,000 mph. If this CME had been Earth-directed, this means the CME could have arrived in close to 24 hours. The GOES-19 CCOR-1 imagery showed very clearly the movement and progression of this CME. The suspected source for this CME could possibly rotate into Earth-view in the next 3-4 days and our SWPC forecasters will be diligently searching for any evidence of such a feature. Stay informed by visiting our website. |
Monday, August 25, 2025 13:27 UTC |
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Artemis II Testbed Exercise Showcases NOAA’s Readiness for Human Spaceflight / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center In April and May 2025, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) conducted an interagency exercise in support of NASA’s upcoming crewed mission to the Moon. This event marked the inaugural use of SWPC’s new Space Weather Prediction Testbed (SWPT). The SWPT serves as an operational proving ground i.e., a physical environment that fosters collaboration and enables realistic simulations of forecasting and decision support. Over 70 participants from NASA, DoD, commercial space, and academia worked through realistic radiation storm scenarios using new tools and operational models. The exercise highlighted NOAA’s capacity to deliver mission-critical space weather services and underscored the value of integrated collaboration between forecasters, researchers, and operators. Read more from NESDIS! |
Monday, July 07, 2025 18:46 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Event Observed - 19 Jun 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 4114 produced an impulsive X1.9 (R3-Strong) flare at 19/2350 UTC. The region is the largest and most magnetically complex on the solar disk despite being in a decay phase. |
Saturday, June 21, 2025 13:52 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 (Strong) radio blackout was observed at 21:49 on 17 Jun (UTC) due to an X1.2 flare from sunspot Region 4114. |
Thursday, June 19, 2025 11:19 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Warning Issued / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Warning has been issued through 06:00 UTC on 13 Jun due persistent CME activity. G2 (Moderate) Storm levels were observed at 00:29 UTC on 13 Jun. |
Friday, June 13, 2025 06:27 UTC |
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USAF Magnetometer Analysis Product No Longer Available / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The USAF Magnetometer Analyses Product is no longer available. For a look at some magnetometer K and A-indices, visit the Station K and A Indices link on our webpage. |
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 20:17 UTC |
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Artemis II Testbed Event at SWPC / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Two scenarios are being used over the course of the 3-day exercise involving the Artemis II mission - assumed to be in progress and significant space weather events unfold. This is what it takes to be sure the best support is provided when the Artemis II mission launches in 2026! |
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 13:44 UTC |
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G3 Warning Extended Through 03 Jun 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 Warning has been extended through 0900 UTC on 03 Jun 2025 (0500 ET) due to persistent CME activity. |
Wednesday, June 04, 2025 13:41 UTC |
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New NCEI Space Weather Portfolio of Archived Products / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center There is an updated overview of centuries of solar and space weather digital data - curated and/or generated, archived, and disseminated by NCEI, along with their new web access. The data was reorganized (see the NCEI Space Weather portfolio) and, also, the SWPC archive page was recently updated, backfilled, and received a new link: swpc products and data. Please visit the NCEI Space Weather archive site to take full advantage of this wonderful and ease of use. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:46 UTC |
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UPGRADE to G4 Watch for 1-2 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch is now in effect for 1 and 2 June. A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun the evening of 30 May. Confidence in an Earth-directed component is good, but the CME arrival timing is more uncertain due to the current state of the solar wind. It could arrive as early as late morning EDT, to as late as Sunday evening EDT of 1 June. The center of the bulk CME material is anticipated to be just north of Earth, however, Earth will still likely undergo passage of much of the CME material. Arrival will likely lead to immediate geomagnetic disturbances with the potential for G4. Conditions will likely intensify as CME progression continues and G4 levels remain possible on Monday, 2 June. Geomagnetic storm levels will likely begin subsiding by Tuesday, 3 June, with G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) still possible. These watches represent potential based on our best analyses. We will not know the true nature of this CME’s geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth. Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur and any appropriate warnings may be issued. As always visit our website for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:44 UTC |
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G4 Watch Key Messages / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center We will not know the true nature of the CME structure until it arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth. Meanwhile, these Watches represent our best assessment based on potential. When the CME arrives, it is at that point, SWPC forecasters can make determinations about warnings and subsequent alerts. Please continue to visit our website for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:44 UTC |
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CME Arrived; G3 (Strong) storm observed; G4 (Severe) storm expected / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CME Arrived; G3 (Strong) storm observed; G4 (Severe) storm expected |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:43 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) conditions observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 (Severe) conditions have been observed. The disturbed conditions are expected to persist into early on June 2. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:42 UTC |
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G3 Level Geomagnetic Event Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm was observed at 02/1120 UTC in response to waning CME impacts. A G3 warning is valid until 02/2100 UTC. Stay tuned for updates. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:41 UTC |
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CME Passage Continues; G3-G4 Still Possible Tonight, June 1st / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect for tonight, June 1st (EDT), as CME passage continues. There are indications that the coronal mass ejection (CME) passage is weakening, but the solar wind conditions remain elevated, therefore additional periods of G3-G4 (Strong-Severe) levels remain possible. However, we now anticipate that conditions should weaken enough by tomorrow evening, June 2nd (EDT), that G1 (Minor) storm levels is the most likely peak response. |
Monday, June 02, 2025 22:39 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Watch in Effect for 2 June UTC-Day / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for 2 June. A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun the evening of 30 May. The CME is anticipated to arrive at Earth later on Sunday, 1 June. The CME arrival will likely lead to immediate geomagnetic disturbances with the potential for G3 (Strong) levels, and a chance for G4. Conditions will likely intensify as CME progression continues and G4 levels become more possible on Monday, 2 June. Geomagnetic storm levels will likely begin subsiding by Tuesday, 3 June, with G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) still possible. Confidence in an Earth-arrival component to this CME is good. However, timing and intensity are more uncertain. These watches represent potential based on our best analyses. We will not know the true nature of this CME’s geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth. Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur. As always visit our website for the latest information and updates. |
Saturday, May 31, 2025 20:43 UTC |
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G3 Level Geomagnetic Event Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm was observed at 29/0216 UTC in response to negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream influences. A G3 warning is valid until 29/0600 UTC. Stay tuned for updates. |
Saturday, May 31, 2025 14:42 UTC |
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2025 GNSS User Engagement / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The GNSS User Engagement will be hosted by NOAA SWPC between 9 am and 12:30 pm Mountain Time on May 21st, 2025. Virtual or in-person participation is welcome. |
Thursday, May 22, 2025 13:22 UTC |
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Preparing for Artemis II at the SWPC Testbed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Preparing for Artemis II astronaut safety at the SWPC’s Space Weather Prediction Testbed. We are exercising critical support to protect human spaceflight from solar hazards by active engagement between SWPC forecasters, science and research elements, space launch personnel, key operations support staff, and more from April 29th - May 8th. This is all being done at the SWPC Testbed with scenarios as though events of significance were happening in real time. Learn more by reading the SWPC Testbed Artemis II - Human Space Flight story. |
Monday, May 19, 2025 19:57 UTC |
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R3 flare activity from Region 4087 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X2.7 flare was observed at 14/0825 UTC from Region 4087. This region has recently become active and also produced an M5.3 flare at 14/0325 UTC. No CME impacts are expected with either event. Stay tuned for updates. |
Thursday, May 15, 2025 16:43 UTC |
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X1.2 Flare 13 May / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A X1.2 flare occurred at 13/1538 UTC. The source of this event was a region on the western limb. The last flare of this magnitude occurred on on 28 Mar, 2025. Sign up for SWPC watches, warnings, alerts and more at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services. |
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:55 UTC |
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New NCEI Space Weather Portfolio of Archived Products / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center There is an updated overview of centuries of solar and space weather digital data - curated and/or generated, archived, and disseminated by NCEI, along with their new web access. The data was reorganized (see the NCEI Space Weather portfolio) and, also, the SWPC archive page was recently updated, backfilled, and received a new link: swpc products and data. Please visit the NCEI Space Weather archive site to take full advantage of this wonderful and ease of use. |
Wednesday, May 07, 2025 13:27 UTC |
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Artemis II Testbed Event at SWPC / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Two scenarios are being used over the course of the 3-day exercise involving the Artemis II mission - assumed to be in progress and significant space weather events unfold. This is what it takes to be sure the best support is provided when the Artemis II mission launches in 2026! |
Thursday, May 01, 2025 13:18 UTC |
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CME Passage of 16-17 April Continues / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CME passage continues today, 16 April, with a peak of G4 (Severe) levels reached. CME strength is slowly weakening and while G4 levels are unlikely to be reached again, there remains a slight chance for another G4 level. Current forecast anticipates G1 (Minor) being the most likely result into 17 April, with a chance for G2-G3 (Moderate-Strong) levels overnight. Visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Friday, April 18, 2025 00:43 UTC |
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CME Passage Continues Today, 16 Apr 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CME passage continues today, 16 Apr with G3 levels reached. Conditions are anticipated to show signs of weakening later today, but the potential for at least G1 levels remains on 17 Apr. Visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Friday, April 18, 2025 00:43 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm levels were observed at 16/2055 UTC due to activity associated with a pair of CMEs that left the Sun on 13 Apr. Solar wind signatures show signs of weakening, however further activity in the G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) range remain possible. |
Friday, April 18, 2025 00:43 UTC |
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CME Passage Continues Today, 16 Apr 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center CME passage continues today, 16 Apr with G3 levels reached. Conditions are anticipated to show signs of weakening later today, but the potential for at least G1 levels remains on 17 Apr. Visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Friday, April 18, 2025 00:43 UTC |
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After Action Report of the 2024 Space Weather Simulation Exercise / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory released the results of the nation’s first end-to-end Space Weather Tabletop Exercise (TTX). The Space Weather Prediction Center was a key participant in this TTX, which was held May 8-9, 2024. Read the brief synopsis about the full report to get a general understanding of the exercise’s intent and key findings. The full After Action Report, (link is external) is now available to the public. Ironically, this TTX took place just as the largest geomagnetic storm in over 20 years was about to unfold - The G5 (Extreme) storm of May 10-11, 2024, so both the simulated actions of the TTX and the real-world needs of the country were managed together. |
Thursday, April 17, 2025 14:06 UTC |
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G3 Watch for 16 Apr 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm Watch has been issued for 16 Apr 2025 due to the arrival of multiple coronal mass ejections that left the Sun on 13 Apr. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming conditions likely to persist into 17 Apr. |
Thursday, April 17, 2025 00:43 UTC |
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New Coronagraph Page Available / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC is excited to announce an improvement to the coronagraph imagery available on our webpage. The new Coronagraph page is now available and include GOES-19 CCOR-1 and SOHO/LASCO C2 and C3) in separate tabs for easy choices. The default display when going to the new Coronagraph page will be CCOR-1. Additionally, GOES-19 is now fully operational as the new GOES East (replacing GOES-16) and the primary space weather instrument, while GOES-18 continues as GOES West and remains the backup space weather platform. The prior LASCO Coronagraph imagery page will be removed in the near future. |
Tuesday, April 08, 2025 16:07 UTC |
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New Solar Cycle Plots Available! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center These new solar cycle plots will provide more accurate predictions for solar cycle 25 (SC25). They are available on our webpage under Products and Data as Solar Cycle Progression and they leverage the latest monthly observations of the international sunspot number and the 10.7cm radio flux to allow for this improvement in SC25 progression prediction. For more details about the new plot products, please see the Service Change Notice 25-23 and for more details about the science behind the new plots, see the Product Description Document, (link is external). SWPC always strives to provide the best products and services to meet the needs of growing numbers of core partners, key customers, and the general public - to help safeguard society with actionable space weather information! |
Monday, March 31, 2025 20:30 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Solar Flare Occurred 28 March, 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A strong solar flare (R3) occurred and peaked at X1.1 near 11:20am EDT (1520 UTC) on 28 March, 2025. The flare occurred from the vicinity of newly rotated into view Region 4046 near the east limb (left side of the solar disk). The flare was associated with a blast of solar material from the area as seen in this GOES-16 image - so a likely non-Earth directed coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted as well. As always, continue to monitor our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Sunday, March 30, 2025 21:35 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 23 Mar / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A fast CME that left the Sun on 21 Mar is expected to arrive at Earth by early on 23 Mar (UTC day). Stay up to date with the latest forecast discussions found at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion. |
Monday, March 24, 2025 05:55 UTC |
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Registration open for 2025 Space Weather Workshop! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The 2025 Space Weather Workshop will be held in person along with a virtual component, March 17-21, 2025 in Boulder, CO at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder. This meeting brings together Federal agencies, the academic community, the private sector, and international partners to focus on the diverse impacts of space weather, on forecasting techniques, and on recent scientific advances in understanding and predicting conditions in the space environment. Registration can be found here hosted by Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS). (link is external) |
Friday, March 21, 2025 20:16 UTC |
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NEW UPDATE: Coronagraph Images and Data from GOES-19 Availability Expanded / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Since February 25, 2025, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has presented new coronagraph images and data from the GOES-19 Compact Coronagraph-1 (CCOR-1). The images and data are updated every 15 minutes. The images are displayed as an animation on the CCOR-1 Coronagraph web page and are now archived at NCEI archive webpage as of March 7, 2025, by going to the CCOR-1 tab. The NOAA NESDIS story released March 19th can be seen here. The data are available at services.swpc.noaa.gov. Further information is available on the CCOR-1 Coronagraph web page and in the official NWS Service Change Notice (SCN). The SCN also provides contact information for providing feedback regarding this product. NOTE: Until such time as GOES-19 becomes operational, currently planned for April 4, 2025, the animations and data are to be considered “preliminary and non-operational.” |
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 20:16 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout Observed 23 February / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X2.0 flare was observed at 23/1927 UTC. The source of this event appears to be a region that is on or just beyond the NW limb, possibly AR 4001. There is a slight chance for additional activity reaching this magnitude over the next few days. Visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-forecast for probabilistic flare forecast updates. |
Monday, February 24, 2025 22:39 UTC |
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Product Subscription Service Delays / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center We are aware of excessive delays to our products going out by email on our Product Subscription Services (PSS). We are working the issue with our vendor and hope to resolve the problems soon. Thank you for your patience. |
Friday, February 21, 2025 01:16 UTC |
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Temporary Webpage and Data Outages Possible on 20 February / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) will be conducting required systems work on 20 February. This may result in temporary webpage and data outages. We thank you for your patience during this period. |
Friday, February 21, 2025 01:16 UTC |
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New Preliminary Coronagraph Images from GOES-19 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Beginning February 6, 2025, the Space Weather Prediction Center is presenting new coronagraph images from the GOES-19 Compact Coronagraph-1 (CCOR-1). The images are updated every 15 minutes and are displayed as an animation (CCOR-1 Coronagraph) on the Space Weather Prediction Testbed (SWPT). Further information is available on that website and on the official NWS Service Change Notice (SCN). The SCN also provides contact information for feedback regarding this product. The NOTE: Until such time as GOES-19 becomes operational, currently planned for April 4, 2025, the animations and data are to be considered “preliminary and non-operational.” |
Thursday, February 06, 2025 22:38 UTC |
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R3 (Moderate) HF Radio Blackout Event on 03 Jan, 2025 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3947 in the NE quadrant of the Sun, produced an X1.2 flare at 03/1139 UTC. At this time, no CME is expected from this event, but forecasters will continue to monitor and will issue Watches/Warnings/Alerts as conditions warrant. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Monday, January 06, 2025 14:36 UTC |
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Auroral OVATION Model Outage Notice / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center We are experiencing issues with our Auroral Ovation Model (30-minute auroral oval forecast) product. It has been stuck with old data from the end of December and our information and data technology experts are working on the problem, however, we do not have an estimated time as of yet when we think the problem will be resolved. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting that product back in operation as soon as possible. |
Saturday, January 04, 2025 15:50 UTC |
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G3 Storm Reached on New Year’s Day of 2025! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The second CME arrived overnight and welcomed New Year’s Day in with a geomagnetic storm! This follow-up CME reached our solar wind spacecraft observatories at about 8:57pm EST on December 31st, 2024. This CME became just as strong as its predecessor, however, this second CME (unlike the first CME) was favorable for escalated geomagnetic disturbances at Earth as it reached nearly 5x normal background of magnetic intensity and the orientation of that field was also pointed opposite Earth’s - making for a very good connection and increased geomagnetic response. When a CME’s magnetic field is orientated southward - opposite Earth’s for prolonged and pronounced periods of time, this intensifies geomagnetic reactions significantly. This is what happened overnight, as our solar wind observatories 1 million miles from Earth measured a strong, southward orientated magnetic field in the CME and it has remained so through its passage thus far. G3 (Strong) levels were first reached January 1st, 2025, at 9:10am EST. However, G1 (Minor) conditions were first alerted for on Dec 31st at 11:58pm EST - just minutes before the new year of 2025. G2 (Moderate) levels were first observed by 5:44am EST on January 1st. Will the CME passage remain strong enough and continue into the evening and night hours on New Year’s night for North America? We cannot say as of yet, as we don’t know the depth of CMEs. Continue to keep informed with the latest forecasts, information, and updates by visiting our SWPC webpage. |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 21:06 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Alert Threshold Reached at 1241 ET / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Alert threshold was reached on January 1st, 2025 at 1241 ET due to continued effects from the CME’s that left the Sun on December 29th. Stay tuned for updates! |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 21:05 UTC |
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CME Arrival as Expected on 31 December, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The anticipated CME that launched from the Sun on 29 Dec has arrived! SWPC forecast timing was very good as the shock arrival at the leading edge of the coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived at our solar wind observatory - NOAA DSCOVR and NASA ACE by 10:56am EST and reached Earth shortly afterwards. The shock is just leading edge of the CME. As CME progression continues, the main magnetic “cloud” embedded within the CME should arrive and we anticipate G1-G3 potential to continue into the evening and early night hours across the U.S. The orientation of that magnetic field is very important and needs to be southward directed (opposite Earth’s magnetic field) for geomagnetic responses to escalate. Unfortunately, we have no way of predicting what that orientation will be, other than monitoring the solar wind observatories a million miles from Earth. Those observations are critical to issuing subsequent warnings. Continue to stay properly informed with the latest information and updates on our webpage. |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 14:34 UTC |
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A New Year’s Eve Day Geomagnetic Storm is Anticipated - G3 Watch / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for 31 Dec, with a G1 (Minor) watch for 1 Jan. These are in anticipation of a pair of Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CME). The G1 Watch for 1 Jan is being considered for upgrade to a G2 Watch. SWPC forecasters have a fair level of confidence in some measure of Earth effectual components and general timing windows of these two particular CMEs, however, as is usual with these events, intensity is less certain. We will not know the true potential of geomagnetic disturbance levels of response until the CME(s) arrive 1 million miles from Earth (when they will be about 30-60 minutes from reaching our planet) and their structure and intensity can be measured by our solar wind observatories - NOAA DSCOVR and NASA ACE spacecraft. Also, neither CME is expected to be a direct hit, which also makes forecast of intensity more difficult. Continue to follow our webpage for the latest forecasts and information. |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 14:34 UTC |
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Pair of R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Events on 30 Dec, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Two simultaneous, yet separate R3 (Strong) radio blackout events occurred at 30/0414 and 0429 UTC, respectively. The first event, an X1.5 flare, peaked at 30/0414 UTC and originated from Region 3936 in the NW quadrant of the Sun. The second event, an X1.1 flare, began before the first flare had completely ended, and peaked at 30/0429 UTC. This event originated from Region 3932 in the SW quadrant of the Sun. The associated coronal mass ejection was analyzed and determined to not have an Earth-directed component. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 14:34 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event on 29 Dec, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center At approximately 29/0718 UTC (0218 EST on 29 Dec 2024), an X1.1 X-ray flare (R3-Strong radio blackout) was observed, originated from Region 3936 in the NW quadrant of the Sun. Analysis is currently underway to determine if there was an associated coronal mass ejection, and any potential impacts. Stay tuned to our website for updates. |
Thursday, January 02, 2025 14:34 UTC |
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2024
Solar Activity — 2024
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 31 Dec / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch is in place for 31 Dec due to the anticipated arrival of a CME that left the Sun early on 29 Dec. Visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for updates and further details. |
Monday, December 30, 2024 17:07 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event on 08 Dec 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3912 produced an X2.2/2b X-ray flare (R3-Strong radio blackout) on 08 Dec at 0906 UTC (0206 ET). A CME was observed in LASCO coronagraph imagery, beginning at approximately 08/0924 UTC (0224 ET), likely associated with the X-flare. Forecasters are analyzing the CME to determine if there is an Earth-directed component. Appropriate Watches/Warnings/Forecasts will be issued, pending the results of that analysis. Stay tuned to our webpage for the latest updates. |
Monday, December 09, 2024 16:16 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Flare Erupts from the Sun / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 (Strong) solar flare erupted from the Sun and peaked at X2.3 at 8:40am ET (1340 UTC). Additional flares at R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) remain likely, with a continuing chance of R3 events through the week. Visit our webpage for the latest information and forecasts. |
Thursday, November 07, 2024 14:53 UTC |
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Solar Flare Probabilities Remain Elevated 4-6 November / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Solar cycle 25 maximum continues with solar flares to at least the R1 (Minor) level continuing. Some of these flares were associated with coronal mass ejections (CME), but thus far, none with Earth-directed components. Visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, November 04, 2024 20:09 UTC |
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Another R3 (Strong) Flare Eruption / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another R3-Strong X-ray flare event occurred at 26/0719 UTC, originating from the area near NOAA SWPC Regions 3872 and 3873. Analysis is currently being accomplished to determine if the associated CME has an Earth-directed component. Stay tuned to our website for additional information. |
Monday, October 28, 2024 21:14 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout occurred due to an X3.3 flare at 03:57 UTC on 24 October from Sunspot Region 3869. |
Saturday, October 26, 2024 17:55 UTC |
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Joint Solar Maximum Announcement from NASA and NOAA / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Sun is officially in solar maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Representatives from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), and the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced the Sun has reached its solar maximum period during a teleconference with reporters on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The full story (link is external) can be read and the recorded teleconference can be listened to at https://www.youtube.com/live/DT0FG7CS1Tg |
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 20:55 UTC |
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NOAA Shares Imagery from GOES-19 CCOR-1 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Click NOAA Shares Imagery From World’s First Operational Space-based Coronagraph for the full story and the full animation of CCOR-1 images of this CME. |
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 17:11 UTC |
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Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comes into View of Coronagraph Imagery / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) came into view of the NASA/SOHO Coronagraph on 7 October. The comet’s appearance coincided with an X2.1 (R3-Strong) flare and a pair of coronal mass ejections (CME). The comet will continue to pass from the right to the top left of the Sun into October 10th before it moves out of view by October 11th. During its transit across the coronagraph imager, it will continue to be a magnificent presence, but could over-saturate imagery due to its tremendous brightness. Continue to follow the Comet’s progression in the coronagraph imagery at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/lasco-coronagraph |
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 15:39 UTC |
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CME Arrival at Earth has Occurred and Warnings have been Issued / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The anticipated coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived at Earth at 11:15am EDT at nearly 1.5 million miles per hour. The CME strength and structure are being closely scrutinized for potential geomagnetic storm intensity, but, G3 levels are now expected due to the magnitude and potential of the CME, therefore G3 or greater warning has been issued. G4 (Severe) levels remain likely with the watch still in effect and even a slight chance of G5 (Extreme) levels due to initial observations of the CME strength. Updates will continue as conditions are met with Alerts issued accordingly. This storm could impact ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton in several critical ways: •Communications: Systems that depend on low-Earth orbit satellites or High-Frequency communication may experience disruptions. • Power grids: The storm could put additional stress on power grids already weakened by the hurricanes. • GPS services: Navigation systems, especially those relied upon in disaster relief, may be degraded. • SWPC has already updated FEMA and several state agencies involved in recovery operations. • When skies are clear, the aurora (Northern Lights) could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California tonight. Please continue to follow our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Saturday, October 12, 2024 06:41 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Storm Watch Remains in Effect for 11 Oct / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect for 11 Oct as CME effects continue to diminish. A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch is in place for 12 Oct due to lingering CME influences in addition to the possibility of relatively weak coronal hole high speed stream effects. Stay up to date with the latest aurora forecast at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast. |
Saturday, October 12, 2024 06:40 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Continue to be Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center UPDATE! CME passage intensified; things are favorable for G4 (Severe) levels to potentially continue into night hours, with a chance for G5 (Extreme) levels. Keep space weather aware by visiting our webpage for the latest. We take actions to notify officials and critical infrastructure operators, so you can enjoy the beauty of the aurora. |
Friday, October 11, 2024 16:13 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Storm Watch for 10-11 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A fast coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun the evening of 8 October, 2024, and is likely to arrive at Earth on 10 October. This CME has been analyzed and speed estimates are 1200 to 1300 km/s. This makes for a potential arrival time as early as the morning to midday of 10 October EDT. There is potential to reach G4 (Severe) upon arrival of this CME and throughout its passage. We won’t know the characteristics of the CME until it arrives 1 million miles from Earth and its speed and magnetic intensity are measured by the DSCOVR and ACE satellites. Please visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Wednesday, October 09, 2024 14:44 UTC |
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S3 (Strong) Solar Radiation Storm in Progress / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center S3 (Strong) solar radiation storm conditions were reached the morning of 9 October (Eastern time zone). Storm conditions of at least S1-S2 (Minor-Moderate) are likely to continue into 10-11 October. This event is associated with the X1.8 (R3) solar flare the evening of 8 October and its related coronal mass ejection (CME). Visit our webpage for the latest information and updates about this event. |
Wednesday, October 09, 2024 13:58 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X1.8 flare was observed at 09/0156 UTC from Region 3848. Stay tuned for updates! |
Wednesday, October 09, 2024 02:28 UTC |
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G3 Conditions Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 levels were observed at 08/0235 UTC. A G3 or greater geomagnetic warning is valid until 08/0900 UTC. Stay tuned for updates. |
Tuesday, October 08, 2024 19:02 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackouts Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 (Strong) radio blackout was observed at 19:13 UTC on 07 Oct. due to an X2.1 flare from Region 3842. |
Tuesday, October 08, 2024 19:02 UTC |
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Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comes into View of Coronagraph Imagery / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) came into view of the NASA/SOHO Coronagraph on 7 October. The comet’s appearance coincided with an X2.1 (R3-Strong) flare and a pair of coronal mass ejections (CME). The comet will continue to pass from the right to the top left of the Sun into October 10th before it moves out of view by October 11th. During its transit across the coronagraph imager, it will continue to be a magnificent presence, but could over-saturate imagery due to its tremendous brightness. Continue to follow the Comet’s progression in the coronagraph imagery at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/lasco-coronagraph |
Tuesday, October 08, 2024 14:18 UTC |
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Another R3 (Strong) Flare Erupts from Region 3842 on 03 October 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 3842 produces another (R3 - Strong) solar flare, an X9.0 at 1218 UTC on October 3rd, 2024. |
Monday, October 07, 2024 06:00 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Watch Remains in Effect for 06 Oct / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 watch remains in effect for 06 Oct in anticipation of the arrival of CMEs that left the sun on 03 Oct including one associated with the X9.0 flare event from AR 3842. Stay tuned for updates at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion as we monitor this activity! |
Monday, October 07, 2024 05:59 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 4:59 p.m. ET on October 7, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in shades of gold. It has several dark and bright regions, including a very bright flash of light near the right limb. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – seen as the bright flash in the lower right – on October 7, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in gold. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.0 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 7, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 3:13 p.m. ET on October 7, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun appears in shades of teal with some brighter and darker regions, set against a black background. On the far right side of the Sun is a bright flash of white, a solar flare. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – seen as the bright flash in the lower right – on October 7, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in teal. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X2.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 7, 2024 |
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R3 (Strong) Flare Erupts from Region 3842 to Start October 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X7.1 (R3 - Strong) solar flare erupted from NOAA/SWPC Active Region 3842 on October 1st, 2024. This was the second strongest flare thus far in Solar Cycle 25, only bested by an X8.7 flare on May 14th of this year. This latest flare was observed by the GOES-16 satellite X-ray sensor (XRS) and peaked at 6:20pm EDT (2220 UTC). The flare was impulsive in nature but was associated with some USAF solar radio observatory reports that may indicate a possible coronal mass ejection (CME) could be associated with the flare. SWPC forecasters will analyze available coronagraph imagery when it becomes available to confirm if a CME did occur and if so, determine the potential for any Earth-directed component. Continue to follow our SWPC webpage for the latest forecasts and information. |
Sunday, October 06, 2024 04:21 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Watches in Effect for 04-06 October with Two CMEs in Route / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC Forecasters have issued G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches for 04-06 October. |
Thursday, October 03, 2024 21:12 UTC |
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G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 03-05 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches have been issued for 03-05 October, due to the forecast arrival of the CME associated with the X7.1 flare observed on 02 October. Stay tuned for updates! |
Thursday, October 03, 2024 20:26 UTC |
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Another R3 (Strong) Flare Erupts from Region 3842 on 03 October 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 3842 produces another (R3 - Strong) solar flare, an X9.0 at 1218 UTC on October 3rd, 2024. |
Thursday, October 03, 2024 13:10 UTC |
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G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 03-05 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches have been issued for 03-05 October, due to the forecast arrival of the CME associated with the X7.1 flare observed on 02 October. Stay tuned for updates! |
Thursday, October 03, 2024 20:26 UTC |
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G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 03-05 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches have been issued for 03-05 October, due to the forecast arrival of the CME associated with the X7.1 flare observed on 02 October. Stay tuned for updates! |
Thursday, October 03, 2024 20:26 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 8:18 a.m. ET on Oct. 3, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash in the center – on Oct. 3, 2024. The image shows subsets of extreme ultraviolet light that highlight the extremely hot material in flares and which are colorized in red and gold. For additional imagery, visit Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X9.0 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 3, 2024 |
| An Electrical Donut And Magnetic Horns Spotted Around Mercury During Quick Flyby / IFLScience | October 3, 2024 |
| Radio Blackouts And Aurora Predicted Today As Sunspot AR3842 Erupts / IFLScience | October 3, 2024 |
| Aurora alert — possible geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far south as Illinois and Oregon / Space | October 3, 2024 |
| Massive solar flare triggers blackout over Pacific | Oct 3, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 8:18 a.m. ET on Oct. 3, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash in the center – on Oct. 3, 2024. The image shows subsets of extreme ultraviolet light that highlight the extremely hot material in flares and which are colorized in red and gold. For additional imagery, visit Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X9.0 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 3, 2024 |
| An Electrical Donut And Magnetic Horns Spotted Around Mercury During Quick Flyby / IFLScience | October 3, 2024 |
| Radio Blackouts And Aurora Predicted Today As Sunspot AR3842 Erupts / IFLScience | October 3, 2024 |
| Aurora alert — possible geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights as far south as Illinois and Oregon / Space | October 3, 2024 |
| Massive solar flare triggers blackout over Pacific | Oct 3, 2024 |
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G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 03-05 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches have been issued for 03-05 October, due to the forecast arrival of the CME associated with the X7.1 flare observed on 02 October. Stay tuned for updates! |
Wednesday, October 02, 2024 17:42 UTC |
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G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 03-05 October / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watches have been issued for 03-05 October, due to the forecast arrival of the CME associated with the X7.1 flare observed on 02 October. Stay tuned for updates! |
Wednesday, October 02, 2024 17:42 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Flare Erupts from Region 3842 to Start October 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center, An X7.1 (R3 - Strong) solar flare erupted from NOAA/SWPC Active Region 3842 on October 1st, 2024. This was the second strongest flare thus far in Solar Cycle 25 • NASA, only bested by an X8.7 flare on May 14th of this year. This latest flare was observed by the GOES-16 satellite X-ray sensor (XRS) and peaked at 6:20pm EDT (2220 UTC). The flare was impulsive in nature but was associated with some USAF solar radio observatory reports that may indicate a possible coronal mass ejection (CME) could be associated with the flare. SWPC forecasters will analyze available coronagraph imagery when it becomes available to confirm if a CME did occur and if so, determine the potential for any Earth-directed component. Continue to follow our SWPC webpage for the latest forecasts and information. |
Wednesday, October 02, 2024 00:21 UTC |
| A Retired Cold War Spy Plane Discovered Something Really Weird About Thunderstorms | October 2, 2024 |
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Results of the First National Survey of User Needs for Space Weather / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The space weather enterprise recently completed a comprehensive survey of the needs of users of space weather products. For the full report, please go HERE |
Tuesday, October 01, 2024 16:42 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 6:20 p.m. ET on Oct. 1, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun appears in orange and red with dark splotches and bright yellow areas, against a black background. In the lower left region of the Sun’s face is a bright yellow area, a solar flare.NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – seen as the bright flash in the lower left – on Oct. 1, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in red and orange. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X7.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 1, 2024 |
| NASA’s instruments capture sharpest image of Earth’s radiation belts | October 1, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 6:20 p.m. ET on Oct. 1, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun appears in orange and red with dark splotches and bright yellow areas, against a black background. In the lower left region of the Sun’s face is a bright yellow area, a solar flare.NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare – seen as the bright flash in the lower left – on Oct. 1, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in red and orange. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X7.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
October 1, 2024 |
| NASA’s instruments capture sharpest image of Earth’s radiation belts | October 1, 2024 |
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Results of the First National Survey of User Needs for Space Weather / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The space weather enterprise recently completed a comprehensive survey of the needs of users of space weather products. For the full report, please go HERE |
Tuesday, October 01, 2024 16:42 UTC |
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G1 Watch for 25 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME associated with an M3.8 flare at 22/1318 UTC is anticipated to arrive 25 Sep. A G1 Watch has been issued. |
Thursday, September 26, 2024 13:55 UTC |
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G1 Watch for 25 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME associated with an M3.8 flare at 22/1318 UTC is anticipated to arrive 25 Sep. A G1 Watch has been issued. |
Thursday, September 26, 2024 13:55 UTC |
| G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storming Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center </>A G4 geomagnetic storm was observed at 0257 UTC Tuesday. | Tuesday, September 17, 2024 23:59 UTC |
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Strong (G3) Geomagnetic Storms are Likely on 16 September 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely on 16 Sep 2024 due to coronal hole influences and the anticipated arrival of a CME associated with an X4.5 flare at 14/1529 UTC from AR3825. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 03:55 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event on 14 Sep 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X4.5 flare occurred at approximately 14/1529 UTC, resulting in R3 (Strong) HF radio blackouts. Continue to monitor our web page for updated forecasts, alerts, and warnings. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 03:55 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storming Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G4 geomagnetic storm was observed at 0257 UTC Tuesday. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 03:54 UTC |
| Auroras galore! Severe geomagnetic storm sparks stunning northern lights across US (photos) / Space | September 17, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 11:29 a.m. ET on Sept. 14, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A combination of multiple ultraviolet wavelengths shows the Sun with bright loops of material extending off of the surface. A bright flash erupts on the Sun’s lower left, and a burst of material is thrown off of the Sun into space. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash near the center of the image – on Sept. 14, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in gold and red. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X4.5 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
September 16, 2024 |
| A Perfect Storm of Solar Activity Is About to Unleash an Amazing Show : ScienceAlert | 16 September 2024 |
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G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storming Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G4 geomagnetic storm was observed at 0257 UTC Tuesday. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 23:59 UTC |
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Strong (G3) Geomagnetic Storms are Likely on 16 September 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely on 16 Sep 2024 due to coronal hole influences and the anticipated arrival of a CME associated with an X4.5 flare at 14/1529 UTC from AR3825. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 03:55 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event on 14 Sep 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X4.5 flare occurred at approximately 14/1529 UTC, resulting in R3 (Strong) HF radio blackouts. Continue to monitor our web page for updated forecasts, alerts, and warnings. |
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 03:55 UTC |
| Aurora alert — Powerful geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights across US and Europe on Sept. 16 / Space | September 16, 2024 |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event on 14 Sep 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X4.5 flare occurred at approximately 14/1529 UTC, resulting in R3 (Strong) HF radio blackouts. Continue to monitor our web page for updated forecasts, alerts, and warnings. |
Saturday, September 14, 2024 16:27 UTC |
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G3 - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic activity reached G3 (Strong) storm levels at 1446 UTC on 12 Sep due to CME effects. Stay tuned to https://www.swpc.noaa.gov for updates. |
Friday, September 13, 2024 14:48 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X1.3 flare (R3-Strong) occurred at 0943 UTC on 12 Sep from an unnumbered region on the SE limb. |
Friday, September 13, 2024 14:48 UTC |
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G3 - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic activity reached G3 (Strong) storm levels at 1446 UTC on 12 Sep due to CME effects. Stay tuned to https://www.swpc.noaa.gov for updates. |
Friday, September 13, 2024 14:48 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X1.3 flare (R3-Strong) occurred at 0943 UTC on 12 Sep from an unnumbered region on the SE limb. |
Friday, September 13, 2024 14:48 UTC |
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G3 - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic activity reached G3 (Strong) storm levels at 1446 UTC on 12 Sep due to CME effects. Stay tuned to https://www.swpc.noaa.gov for updates. |
Thursday, September 12, 2024 14:59 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X1.3 flare (R3-Strong) occurred at 0943 UTC on 12 Sep from an unnumbered region on the SE limb. |
Thursday, September 12, 2024 10:27 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 5:43 a.m. ET on Sept. 12, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in hues of gold, pink, and blue. There are many active regions on the Sun. They appear bright, as light from those areas cascades into space around the star. On the far left of the Sun, a bright flash of light in pinks and blues is apparently against the dark background of space. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — seen as the bright flash on the left — on Sept. 12, 2024. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in gold. Credit: NASA/SDO Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.3 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength.To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
September 12, 2024 |
| NOAA Warning: Strong solar storm headed to Earth, auroras likely - Earth.com | 09-12-2024 |
| Sun fires off X-class solar flare, increasing aurora viewing chances into weekend / Space | September 12, 2024 |
| Sun news September 12: X flare earlier today • EarthSky | September 12, 2024 |
| Groundbreaking New Maps of the Sun’s Coronal Magnetic Fields - Universe Today | SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 |
| Solar storms may cause faint auroras overnight in parts of Northern Hemisphere • Phys | September 12, 2024 |
| Auroras Forecast Over New York After Sun Spits “Dark Plasma” At Earth / IFLScience | September 10, 2024 |
| 7 years ago today, the sun unleashed a record-breaking solar flare / Space | September 10, 2024 |
| Watch a 100,000-mile-high tower of plasma erupt from the sun in this stunning video / Space | September 9, 2024 |
| The Russell-McPherron Effect Could Light Up The Skies With Stunning Auroras Soon / IFLScience | September 7, 2024 |
| A particularly active ‘aurora season’ could be just weeks away / Live Science | September 6, 2024 |
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Strong, non-Earth Directed CMEs Depart the Sun 1-3 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Quite energetic coronal mass ejections (CME) departed the Sun 1-3 September; however, they are not Earth-directed. Visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Thursday, September 05, 2024 18:27 UTC |
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Strong, non-Earth Directed CMEs Depart the Sun 1-3 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Quite energetic coronal mass ejections (CME) departed the Sun 1-3 September; however, they are not Earth-directed. Visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Thursday, September 05, 2024 18:27 UTC |
| Lucky alignment of 2 spacecraft reveals how solar wind gets a magnetic push / Space | September 5, 2024 |
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Strong, non-Earth Directed CMEs Depart the Sun 1-3 September / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Quite energetic coronal mass ejections (CME) departed the Sun 1-3 September; however, they are not Earth-directed. Visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Tuesday, September 03, 2024 17:12 UTC |
| Sunspots surge to 23-year high as solar maximum continues to intensify far beyond initial expectations / Live Science | September 3, 2024 |
| Two solar probes are helping researchers understand what phenomenon powers the solar wind • Phys | September 2, 2024 |
| Sun Mystery Solved: How The Solar Wind Soars Across The Solar System / IFLScience | September 2, 2024 |
| Aurora season is here — What to expect from the northern lights in 2024/25 / Space | September 2, 2024 |
| Satellites Discovered Something Bizarre in the 1960s — We Finally Know What It Is • Inverse | Aug. 30, 2024 |
| NASA discovers planet-wide electric field around Earth that’s shooting bits of our atmosphere into space / Live Science | August 30, 2024 |
| Solar Orbiter shows how solar wind gets a magnetic push • Phys | August 30, 2024 |
| 2 solar probes are helping researchers understand what phenomenon powers the solar wind | August 29, 2024 2:13pm EDT |
| Auroral substorm sparks stunning northern lights visible at mid-latitudes (photos) / Space | August 28, 2024 |
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Experimental Global Total Electron Content (GloTEC) Ionospheric Model Available / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC has released an experimental version of the Global Total Electron Content (GloTEC) ionospheric model. The operational products of the North America Total Electron Content (NATEC) ionosphere model and U.S. Total Electron Content (USTEC) are no longer being supported and will be replaced by GloTEC. GloTEC is a real-time data-assimilative model that provides global electron density and total electron content (TEC). Soliciting comments on the experimental deployment of the GloTEC from users and the general public is through September 23, 2024. Direct access to the experiment products and outputs can be found here |
Monday, August 26, 2024 19:16 UTC |
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August 23-25th Weekend Space Weather Outlook / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) solar flare events remain probable through the weekend (Aug 23-25th EDT). Many sunspot groups are present as solar cycle 25 continues. Please visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Monday, August 26, 2024 13:32 UTC |
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NOAA Shares First Data From GOES-19 Magnetometer / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The magnetometer on GOES-19 satellite is now transmitting data to Earth. For the full story, please go here |
Thursday, August 22, 2024 17:06 UTC |
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August 23-25th Weekend Space Weather Outlook / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) solar flare events remain probable through the weekend (Aug 23-25th EDT). Many sunspot groups are present as solar cycle 25 continues. Please visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Thursday, August 22, 2024 16:16 UTC |
| The Sun Is More Active Than Scientists Anticipated. Here’s What It Means For Us. : ScienceAlert | 22 August 2024 |
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17-18 Aug Weekend Activity Summary: A Brief G3 (Strong) Storm on 17 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Saturday, 17 Aug, observed G3 (Strong) levels briefly in response to a coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival. Conditions quickly weakened as CME passage passed over and beyond Earth. This CME was likely from the 14 Aug eruption and appeared to arrive as a glancing blow. Flare activity continued over the weekend and remains likely through the week. Please continue to visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
August 21, 2024 13:20 UTC |
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Solar Cycle 25 Likely Reached the Highest Sunspot Number in over 20 Years / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Solar Cycle 25 likely reached the highest sunspot number yet - a value of at least 299. The Space Weather Predicition Center (SWPC) non-official, estimated daily sunspot number for August 8th was 337, a value not observed since March 2001. However, the official SSN is determined by the World Data Center - Sunspot Index and Long-Term Solar Observations (WDC-SILSO) and it’s Solar Influences Data Center (SIDC) at the Royal Observatory in Belgium; and their initial daily estimate for August 8th was 299. They will report out the official number by September 1st. Visit their webpage at: https://www.sidc.be/SILSO/home(link is external) and as always visit our webpage for the latest space weather information and forecasts. |
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 13:20 UTC |
| Intense solar storm opens ‘2-way highway’ for charged particles, sparking rare auroras on the sun / Live Science | August 20, 2024 |
| Corrected sunspot records show the Maunder minimum did not end abruptly • Phys | August 20, 2024 |
| Intense solar storm opens ‘2-way highway’ for charged particles, sparking rare auroras on the sun / Live Science[^20240820]. | August 20, 2024 |
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17-18 Aug Weekend Activity Summary: A Brief G3 (Strong) Storm on 17 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Saturday, 17 Aug, observed G3 (Strong) levels briefly in response to a coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival. Conditions quickly weakened as CME passage passed over and beyond Earth. This CME was likely from the 14 Aug eruption and appeared to arrive as a glancing blow. Flare activity continued over the weekend and remains likely through the week. Please continue to visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Monday, August 19, 2024 15:41 UTC |
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G3 - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 - Strong Geomagnetic Storm Levels were reached at 1746 UTC (1346 ET) on 17 Aug 2024 due to influence from the CME associated with the X flare that left the Sun on August 14th. Stay tuned for updates |
Monday, August 19, 2024 14:35 UTC |
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Weekend Forecast Outlook (15-18 Aug) - G1 Watch on 18 Aug UTC-Day / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another CME may reach Earth late on 17 August (EDT time zone) and a G1 (Minor) Watch is in effect. Continue to visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates! |
Monday, August 19, 2024 14:35 UTC |
| This Spring’s Massive Aurora-Sparking Solar Storm Has Given Earth A New Ring / IFLScience | August 19, 2024 |
| Scientists discover phenomenon impacting Earth’s radiation belts • Phys | August 17, 2024 |
| How Big Can Solar Flares Get And How Far Do They Travel? / IFLScience | August 16, 2024 |
| Colossal X-class solar flare erupts from ‘rule-breaking’ sunspot — and Earth is in the firing line / Live Science | August 16, 2024 |
| Massive Solar Storm Opens Rare 2-Hour Magnetic Highway Between Sun And Earth / IFLScience | August 16, 2024 |
| Auroras headed to the US again in aftermath of gargantuan ‘X-class’ solar flare / Live Science | August 16, 2024 |
| New research shows unprecedented atmospheric changes during May’s geomagnetic superstorm • Phys | August 16, 2024 |
| The superstorms from space that could end modern life • BBC | August 16, 2024 |
| Specularly reflected whistler: A low-latitude channel to couple lightning energy to the magnetosphere / Science Advances | 16 Aug 2024 |
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Weekend Forecast Outlook (15-18 Aug) - G1 Watch on 18 Aug UTC-Day / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another CME may reach Earth late on 17 August (EDT time zone) and a G1 (Minor) Watch is in effect. Continue to visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates! |
Thursday, August 15, 2024 16:04 UTC |
| The sun might’ve just had a record-breaking number of visible sunspots / Space | August 15, 20qq24 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 2:40 a.m. ET on Aug. 14, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://swpc.noaa.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
August 14, 2024 |
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Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storms Observed - 12 Aug 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storming was observed at approximately 1442 UTC on 12 Aug in response to a coronal mass ejection passing by Earth. The current G3 Warning (Strong or greater) is valid until 12/1800 UTC. |
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 14:00 UTC |
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CMEs arrived on 11 Aug and Passage Continues - G4 (Severe) Reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Between August 8-10, 2024, five Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) were observed leaving the Sun, prompting geomagnetic storm watches. The CMEs reached Earth over the weekend (August 11-12). CMEs, which are massive eruptions of solar material, can trigger geomagnetic storms upon arrival at Earth, potentially impacting various technologies. Geomagnetic storm conditions steadily intensified throughout the weekend into early Monday, culminating in a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm shortly before 1500 UTC. The SWPC has maintained continuous communication with power grid reliability coordination centers. This level of storming also causes HF communications degradation at high latitudes and increased satellite drag in low Earth orbit. Conditions are expected to persist into Tuesday, but the duration of CME impacts and the favorability of solar wind conditions remain highly uncertain. These conditions are part of the ongoing Solar Cycle 25, which has reached one of its highest levels of sunspot activity in over 20 years. Continue to visit the SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 14:00 UTC |
| Northern Lights Predicted in California Following Severe Solar Storm : ScienceAlert | 13 August 2024 |
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Space Weather Weekend Outlook Forecast for 9-11 August / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Highlights include continuing R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) events and likelihood of G2 (Moderate) levels. Please visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information and forecasts, and check on our latest 3-Day Forecast and Forecast Discussions for any forecast changes or new activity. |
Monday, August 12, 2024 13:49 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout Observed 08 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center AR 3774 produced a X1.3 flare at 08/1935 UTC. Stay tuned for the next https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for updates on if this event and any associated coronal mass ejection. |
Monday, August 12, 2024 13:48 UTC |
| Faint auroras may be visible in Northern Hemisphere skies after weekend solar storms • Phys | August 12, 2024 |
| Geomagnetic storms from solar flares may supercharge northern lights across US, Canada / Space | August 12, 2024 |
| ‘Severe’ G4 geomagnetic storm strikes Earth, making widespread auroras likely / Live Science | August 12, 2024 |
| Alfvén Waves: The Hidden Force Superheating the Sun’s Corona • SciTechDaily | August 11, 2024 |
| Sun news July 25: Solar deja vu, but action incoming • EarthSky | August 11, 2024 |
| Four Coronal Mass Ejections Are Headed Towards Earth, With Strong Auroras Possible / IFLScience | August 10, 2024 |
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Solar Cycle 25 Likely Reached the Highest Sunspot Number in over 20 Years / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Solar Cycle 25 likely reached the highest sunspot number yet - a value of at least 299. The Space Weather Predicition Center (SWPC) non-official, estimated daily sunspot number for August 8th was 337, a value not observed since March 2001. However, the official SSN is determined by the World Data Center - Sunspot Index and Long-Term Solar Observations (WDC-SILSO) and it’s Solar Influences Data Center (SIDC) at the Royal Observatory in Belgium; and their initial daily estimate for August 8th was 299. They will report out the official number by September 1st. Visit their webpage at: https://www.sidc.be/SILSO/home(link is external) and as always visit our webpage for the latest space weather information and forecasts. |
Friday, August 09, 2024 18:27 UTC |
| Origins of matter discovered by recreating the Big Bang - Earth.com | 08-09-2024 |
| Barrage of solar explosions could bring auroras to the U.S. this weekend as Perseid meteor shower peaks / Live Science | August 9, 2024 |
| Sun unle ashes X-class solar flare, blasts 3rd coronal mass ejection toward Earth in a week (video) / Space | August 9, 2024 |
| Solar storm alert: Auroras and radio blackouts expected - Earth.com | 08-09-2024 |
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3-4 Aug Weekend Summary and 5-7 Aug Forecast Outlook / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm occurred on Sunday, 4 Aug, while flare activity continues to be expected. Visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information and forecasts. |
Thursday, August 08, 2024 13:20 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 3:35 p.m. ET on August 8, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.3 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. To see how such space weather may affect Earth, please visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://swpc.noaa.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth. |
August 8, 2024 |
| Space Hurricanes Are Now A Thing – And They Happen A Lot / IFLScience | August 8, 2024 |
| Archaeologists conduct first ‘space excavation’ on International Space Station – and discover surprising quirks of zero-gravity life • The Conversation | August 7, 2024 4:14pm EDT |
| Gigantic jets – a rare type of lightning – caught on video • EarthSky | August 7, 2024 |
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GOES 500 MeV Proton Flux Observations Now Available / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has deployed an update to the observed Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite (GOES) Proton Flux plots displayed on the SWPC website. This update added the GOES >= 500 MeV proton flux to the time series plot, and will benefit users with an interest in the high energy proton flux. For example, users in the aviation industry will be able to monitor for the enhancement of radiation dose rates at aviation flight levels for whom the >= 500 MeV proton flux is pertinent for assessing exposure. In addition, users associated with the conduct of human space exploration will be able to monitor for potential radiation impacts to astronauts and hardware. As always, visit our webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Tuesday, August 06, 2024 15:41 UTC |
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X1.7 and X1.1 Flares Observed on 05 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The X1.7 flare originating from just beyond the western limb that was observed at 05/1340 UTC was followed by an X1.1 flare from AR3780 at 1527 UTC. Given the source location of beyond the western limb, an Earth-directed CME is unlikely for the first event. The X1.1 event from AR3780 is still under assessment as we await updated coronagraph imagery. |
Tuesday, August 06, 2024 12:45 UTC |
| 1st ‘hyperspectral’ image of aurora borealis reveals true colors of northern lights / Space | August 6, 2024 |
| Earth’s magnetic field dances with solar wind - Earth.com | 08-06-2024 |
| How NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft help satellites build a ‘full picture of the storm’ / Space | August 6, 2024 |
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R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) Events Still Expected into the Weekend (1 - 4 Aug) / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center R1-R2 (Minor - Moderate) level solar flares continue to be expected into the weekend (1 - 4 August). There is also a continuing chance for an R3 (Strong) event. Continue to monitor our webpage for the latest observations, forecast information, and updates. |
Monday, August 05, 2024 13:16 UTC |
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GOES-U Satellite Successfully Launched! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center GOES-U, which will be renamed GOES-19 once in orbit, successfully launched from Florida on June 25. It’s carrying a new instrument—the nation’s first operational coronagraph. GOES-U will accommodate the NOAA Space Weather Follow On (SWFO) program’s Compact Coronagraph-1 (CCOR-1), which will reside on the satellite’s Sun-Pointing Platform, along with the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) and Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS). As part of NOAA’s Space Weather Follow On program, CCOR-1 was developed at the Naval Research Laboratory and is a collaboration between the Office of Space Weather Observations (SWO) and the Office of Geostationary Observations (GEO) within NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). |
Monday, August 05, 2024 22:20 UTC |
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G3 Level Geomagnetic Event Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A global K index of 7 was observed at 04/1449 UTC in response to what is likely influences from a CME that left the Sun early on 01 Aug. Stay tuned for updates. |
Monday, August 05, 2024 13:17 UTC |
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G2 Watch for 03-04 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME associated with an M8 flare at 01/0709 UTC is anticipated to arrive between midday to late on 03 Aug. A G2 Watch has been issued for 03-04 Aug. Stay tuned for updates. |
Monday, August 05, 2024 13:16 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 11:27 a.m. ET on Aug. 5, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The bright flash of a solar flare appears on the Sun’s lower left in an ultraviolet view of the Sun. The Sun is dotted with darker and brighter regions and wispy loops of bright solar material. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
August 5, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 9:40 a.m. ET on Aug. 5, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in teal, against a black background. On the right side of the star, it a bright “X” shape — the solar flare. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.7 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
August 5, 2024 |
| The sun fires off 2 powerful X flares in less than 2 hours (video, photo) / Space | August 5, 2024 |
| How 400-Year-Old Sunspot Sketches Are Solving Modern Solar Puzzles • SciTechDaily | August 4, 2024 |
| Alert: Geomagnetic Storm Could Bring Northern Lights As Far South As New York Tonight / IFLScience | August 3, 2024 |
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Request for Information on Space Weather Scales by July 31 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC is seeking information from interested parties regarding a possible revision to the Space Weather Scales (SWS). The SWS communicates to the public current and future space weather conditions and possible effects on people and systems. Please see the formal request for more information: Federal Register :: Request for Information on the NOAA Space Weather Scales (SWS) |
Friday, August 02, 2024 18:06 UTC |
| “Cannibal” solar eruption will bring auroras to U.S. this weekend - Earth.com | 08-02-2024 |
| Researchers identify useful emission lines in the sun’s outer atmosphere • Phys | AUGUST 2, 2024 |
| Moderate geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as New York this weekend / Space | August 2, 2024 |
| Aurora Alert Issued! Here’s How To See The Northern Lights This Weekend • Inverse | Aug. 2, 2024 |
| Massive solar wind disturbance caused Earth’s magnetosphere to fly without its usual tail • Phys | August 2, 2024 |
| Coronal Mass Ejection Gives Earth’s Magnetosphere Rare “Wings” - Eos | 2 August 2024 |
| Sun’s Next Solar Cycle Detected Early in Sound Waves • SciTechDaily | August 2, 2024 |
| The Higgs particle could have ended the universe by now – here’s why we’re still here • The Conversation | August 2, 2024 12:03pm EDT |
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Strong (R3) Flare Activity Observed - 29 July 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An impulsive X1.5 (R3-Strong) solar flare was observed at 29/0233 UTC from SWPC Region 3764 (S05W04). Accompanying this event were a 300 sfu Tenflare and a Type-II radio sweep with an estimated velocity of 535 km/s. Forecasters are awaiting coronagraph imagery to determine if an Earth-directed CME follows this activity. |
Thursday, August 01, 2024 14:01 UTC |
| May’s solar storm created a new Van Allen belt • EarthSky | August 1, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for August 2024 • EarthSky | August 1, 2024 |
| Predicting solar storms before they leave the sun • Phys | AUGUST 1, 2024 |
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Geomagnetic Storm Watches in Effect 29-31 July (up to G3; Strong) / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic storm watches are out for 29-31 July due to a number of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Solar activity was elevated through the weekend and various eccvents, including solar flares and filament eruptions were associated with CMEs. Some of these CMEs were determined to have Earth-directed components and arrival could begin as early as July 29th due to an event early on 27 July. Additional CMEs recently departed the Sun and are expected to arrive July 30th and continue into July 31st. Any CME arrival on 29 July could result in G1 (Minor) storm levels, however, the brunt of the activity is most likely on 30 July when additional CMEs from 27-28 July arrive and this could lead to G2-G3 levels as indicated by the WSA-Enlil model. CME influences will likely continue into 31 July as it takes time for CMEs to progress over and past Earth. Still, additional CMEs continue to erupt from the Sun due to the number of active regions and the associated complex sunspot groups, and additional CME arrivals are possible. Flare probabilities have increased and M-class flares (R1-R2; Minor-Moderate) events are now expected through most of the week, with a slight chance to chance of X-class activity (R3; Strong). Continue to follow our webpage for the latest information and forecasts. |
Thursday, August 01, 2024 12:12 UTC |
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Geomagnetic Storm Watches Now Continue Into 1 August / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic storm watches are out for July 30th to August 1st due to a number of CMEs (coronal mass ejections). For additional information, see the related story and continue to follow our webpage for the latest information and forecasts. |
Thursday, August 01, 2024 14:01 UTC |
| Sunspot sketches from 1607 unlock secrets of solar activity - Earth.com | 07-31-2024 |
| Why is the sun’s corona hotter than its surface? - Earth.com | 07-31-2024 |
| Northern lights delight as ‘cannibal’ solar storm triggers auroras across US and Canada (photos) / Space | July 31, 2024 |
| Magnetic fields on the sun could solve longstanding solar heating mystery / Space | July 31, 2024 |
| Solar Mystery Solved by Astronomer"s Drawings From Hundreds of Years Ago : ScienceAlert | 30 July 2024 |
| Geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights at mid-latitudes across US and Europe / Space | July 30, 2024 |
| Solar storms could cause more auroras • Phys | July 30, 2024 |
| NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory Chronicles Major Flare Event• SciTechDaily | July 30, 2024 |
| Cannibal CME Is About to Deliver Spectacular Auroras to Earth’s Atmosphere : ScienceAlert | 30 July 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:37 p.m. on July 28, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.5 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
July 29, 2024 |
| New study simulates gravitational waves from failing warp drive • Phys | July 29, 2024 |
| Watch a colossal X-class solar flare erupt from Earth-facing sunspot (video) / Space | July 29, 2024 |
| Kepler Sketched the Sun in 1607. Astronomers Pinpointed the Solar Cycle - Universe Today | JULY 27, 2024 |
| Sun blasts out most powerful flare of current solar cycle (video) / Space | July 26, 2024 |
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G2 Watch for July 24th / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G2 Watch is in effect for 24 Jul due to the likely arrival of a halo CME that erupted on 21 Jul. |
Thursday, July 25, 2024 12:55 UTC |
| Eyes on the Skies: Scientists Crack Code on Earth-Threatening Solar Storms • SciTechDaily | July 25, 2024 |
| Where and when to see the northern lights in 2024 / Space | Updated July 25, 2024 |
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S1-Minor Solar Radiation Storm Event from Far Side Halo CME / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An S1 Minor Solar Radiation Storm Event began at 2206 EST on July 22, 2024. The storm is a result of CME activity on the far side of the Sun. |
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 12:48 UTC |
| The next solar cycle – Solar Cycle 26 – is already beginning • EarthSky | July 23, 2024 |
| Precise space storm alerts could help shield Earth’s tech • EarthSky | July 23, 2024 |
| Northern lights (aurora borealis) — what they are and how to see them / Space | Updated July 23, 2024 |
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G1 (Minor) Storm Watch for Saturday Evening (EDT) / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch is in place for the 21 July UTC-day (beginning Saturday evening - Eastern Time). The G1 Watch has been posted due to the potential arrival at Earth of a pair of weak coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Should the CMEs arrive as anticipated, G1 levels are likely. SWPC watches, warnings, and alerts are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) - a time standard used globally and for convenience without regard to time zones. Continue to monitor our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, July 22, 2024 13:54 UTC |
| Watch two plumes of ‘dark’ plasma explode from the sun and send solar storm towards Earth (video) / Space | July 22, 2024 |
| New breakthrough could lead to better solar storm predictions / Space | July 22, 2024 |
| Aurora alert: Possible geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as New York / Space | July 22, 2024 |
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Forecast Highlight 15-18 July: R1-R2 Events Remain Likely / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An abundance of sunspot groups are present on the visible solar disk and R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) flares remain likely 15-18 July. Continue to visit our webpage for the latest space weather information and forecasts. |
July 19, 2024 14:45 UTC |
| The sun’s next solar cycle has begun, ‘starquakes’ suggest / Space | July 19, 2024 |
| May solar superstorm caused largest ‘mass migration’ of satellites in history / Space | July 19, 2024 |
| New dawn for space storm alerts could help shield Earth’s tech • Phys | July 19, 2024 |
| Sun blasts out 2nd X-class flare this week, triggers more radio blackouts (video) / Space | July 18, 2024 |
| Astrophotographer Catches Sun Firing Spectacular Plasma Ejection At Mercury / IFLScience | July 18, 2024 |
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The Evolution and Impact of Active Region 13664 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 13664 was responsible for the largest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 25, read the story from an operational perspective HERE: The Evolution and Impact of Active Region 13664 A group of sunspots, designated as NOAA Active Region 13664 was identified as a substantial and complex sunspot group during the first week of May 2024. The region produced several solar flares and Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which led to the onset of extreme geomagnetic storming conditions; the strongest since the Halloween Solar Storms of 2003. These storms caused widespread auroras, disruptions in satellite operations and communications, potential power grid issues, and increased radiation hazards for space missions and high-altitude flights. Active Region 13664 returned twice, renumbered as Active Region 13697, which produced the largest proton event of Solar Cycle 25, and again as Active Region 13723. This story is written from the view of an operational forecaster at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado. |
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 21:09 UTC |
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R3 Event on 16 July 2024 from Region 3738 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Departing Region 3738 produced an X1.9 (R3-Strong) flare that peaked at 9:26am EDT (1326 UTC). The flare was associated with radio signatures that suggest a coronal mass ejection (CME) was likely associated with this activity, but due to its far southwestern location, an Earth-directed component is not anticipated. However, SWPC forecasters will analyze any coronagraph imagery as it becomes available. Please continue to visit our webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 21:03 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts From Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 9:26 A.M. ET on July 16, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in gold, against a black background. On the right is a bright white flash, on the limb of the star. The Sun has swirls of bright gold and darker gold regions, and one very large, dark black splotch toward the top. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.9 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
July 16, 2024 |
| X1.2 Event: Decoding the Sun’s Latest Megaflare • SciTechDaily | July 16, 2024 |
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G1 Watch for 13 July / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G1 Watch has been issued for July 13-14. A high speed stream associated with a positive coronal hole is expected to arrive at Earth and produce minor geomagnetic storming conditions July 13-14. |
Monday, July 15, 2024 13:12 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:34 p.m. EDT on July 13, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in teal against a black back ground. The Sun is a mix of darker, almost black areas and bright teal regions. On the right is an extremely bright flash of white. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.2 class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
July 15, 2024 |
| Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare triggering radio blackouts (video) / Space | July 15, 2024 |
| Scientists call the region of space influenced by the sun the heliosphere – but without an interstellar probe, they don’t know much about its shape / Space | July 14, 2024 |
| Solar Flares and Solar Magnetic Reconnection Get New Spotlight in Two Blazing Studies - Universe Today | JULY 12, 2024 |
| Head-On Aurora-Causing Solar Storms Are The Ones We Really Need To Worry About / IFLScience | July 12, 2024 |
| Solar maximum is in sight but when will it arrive (and when will we know)? / Space | July 10, 2024 |
| Interplanetary shock wave angles are key to infrastructure threat • New Atlas | July 10, 2024 |
| Are there more solar flares than expected during this solar cycle? / Space | July 9, 2024 |
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The Evolution and Impact of Active Region 13664 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Active Region 13664 was responsible for the largest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 25, read the story from an operational perspective HERE(link is external). The Evolution and Impact of Active Region 13664 - an operational perspective Senior Space Weather Forecaster Briana Muhlestein June 20, 2024 A group of sunspots, designated as NOAA Active Region 13664 was identified as a substantial and complex sunspot group during the first week of May 2024. The region produced several solar flares and Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which led to the onset of extreme geomagnetic storming conditions; the strongest since the Halloween Solar Storms of 2003. These storms caused widespread auroras, disruptions in satellite operations and communications, potential power grid issues, and increased radiation hazards for space missions and high-altitude flights. Active Region 13664 returned twice, renumbered as Active Region 13697, which produced the largest proton event of Solar Cycle 25, and again as Active Region 13723. This story is written from the view of an operational forecaster at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado. |
Monday, July 08, 2024 14:22 UTC |
| NASA Mission to Study Mysteries in the Origin of Solar Radio Waves • NASA | Jul 08, 2024 |
| The Sun Unleashes More Solar Flares as Solar Maximum Continues / SYFY WIRE | Jul 6, 2024, 10:30 AM ET |
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G1 Watch for 3 July / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A Minor Geomagnetic Storm (G1) Watch is in effect for Wednesday July 3, 2024. A CME producing filament eruption was observed on June 29th, analysis indicates a glancing blow is possible which has the potential to produce minor geomagnetic storming conditions on July 3rd. Forecast confidence in an Earth-directed CME is low to moderate. Please continue to visit our SWPC web page for the latest information and updates. |
Friday, July 05, 2024 00:54 UTC |
| Rare ‘polar rain’ aurora seen from Earth for the first time / Space | July 5, 2024 |
| Rare, mystery blasts from sun can devastate the ozone layer and spike radiation levels on Earth / Live Science | July 4, 2024 |
| Astrophotographer captures extraordinary footage of the ISS flying in front of the sun / Space | July 2, 2024 |
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G1 Watch for 28-29 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A Minor Geomagnetic Storm (G1) Watch is in effect for June 28th. A coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred early on June 25th and analysis indicates the potential for a partial arrival at Earth on Friday, June 28th. Should the CME arrive at Earth as a glancing blow, G1 conditions become likely. Forecast confidence in an Earth-directed component of the CME is low to moderate. Please continue to visit our SWPC web page for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, July 01, 2024 13:42 UTC |
| Solar Dynamics Observatory — Discovering the secrets of the sun’s magnetic field / Space | July 1, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for July 2024 • EarthSky | July 1, 2024 |
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G3 (Strong) Levels Reached on 28 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) storm conditions were reached about 9:28am EDT on June 28th. The increased geomagnetic activity was in response to the arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that departed the Sun on June 25th. The CME was associated with a large filament eruption and analysis indicated a possible Earth arrival as a glancing blow today. Indeed, a disturbance in the solar wind was observed by an observation satellite one million miles from Earth at 5:12am EDT. This was the leading edge of the CME and when it arrived at Earth, geomagnetic conditions quickly intensified and eventually reached G3 levels. The G3 Warning is in effect until 5:00pm EDT as CME passage is anticipated to continue through the day. There will likely be variable conditions of geomagnetic response during CME progression, so continue to monitor our SWPC webpage for the latest information and updates. |
Friday, June 28, 2024 23:25 UTC |
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G4 (Severe) Conditons Reached near 10:18am EDT on 28 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic Storm conditions reached G4 (Severe) levels near 10:18am EDT. |
Friday, June 28, 2024 23:24 UTC |
| Seeing Both Sides of the Sun at the Same Time - Universe Today | JUNE 28, 2024 |
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Ongoing GOES Outage / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center GOES services began experiencing an outage at approximately 2120 UTC on 24 Jun. While SWPC forecasters maintain the capability to issue flare, proton and electron warnings and alerts, observational data is not reliable/updating at this time. An estimated time to restoration is unknown. |
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 13:01 UTC |
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Official Request for Communications Impacts from May 2024 G5 Storm / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB or Bureau) seeks comment on any observed impacts to communications that resulted from the May 2024 severe geomagnetic storm. The FCC/Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on any impact to communications believed to be a result of the May 2024 severe geomagnetic storm. Comments are due 24 June 2024. See link below and attached for the notice. |
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 11:06 UTC |
| What Lies Beneath the Sun’s Surface? Solar Physicists Uncover Hidden Depths of Supergranules • SciTechDaily | JUNE 25, 2024 |
| Aurora-sparking sunspot returns, firing off explosive solar flare (video) / Space | June 25, 2024 |
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Solar Flares Remain Likely through 20-23 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Solar flare potential remains elevated, with R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) events still likely 20-23 June, 2024. |
Monday, June 24, 2024 13:41 UTC |
| Mystery of massive aurora in Arctic skies in December 2022 solved by astronomers • Phys | JUNE 24, 2024 |
| NASA is Launching a Solar Flare Early Warning System Promising Real-Time Space Weather Alerts / Tech Times | Jun 24, 2024 8:57AM EDT |
| Exceptionally gigantic aurora in the polar cap on a day when the solar wind almost disappeared / Science Advances | 21 Jun 2024 |
| Gigantic oddball aurora seen from Earth for the first time • Nature | 21 June 2024 |
| The Evolution and Impact of Active Region 13664 • ArcGIS | June 20, 2024 |
| Studying the Sun • NASA | Jun 20, 2024 |
| Understanding Solar Activity after the Maunder Minimum: Sunspot Records by Rost and Alischer - IOPscience | 2024 June 11 |
| What is the heliosphere and how can we measure it? • EarthSky | June 14, 2024 |
| The sun’s magnetic field is about to flip. Here’s what to expect. / Space | June 14, 2024 |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout Observed on 10 June / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3697 provided a parting shot in the form of an X1.5 flare during the early hours of 10 June at 1108 UTC. Additional NOAA scale R 1 -2 events in the form of M-class flares are expected over the next 24 hours. |
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 13:54 UTC |
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June 8th Solar Radiation Was Strongest Since 2017 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The strong solar radiation storm on Saturday (June 8th) was the strongest solar radiation or “S” storm since September 2017. |
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 13:40 UTC |
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June 11: Planned Network Outage / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center On Tuesday, June 11, between 1500 UTC and 2100 UTC, SWPC will perform a major network upgrade. This upgrade will severely limit our operational capabilities. During portions of this period, SWPC will be unable to issue routine products, watches, warnings, and alerts. Access to products and data on the SWPC website will also be impacted, and sometimes, it will be severely limited or completely unavailable. In the event of significant space weather activity, this maintenance will be postponed. |
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 13:21 UTC |
| Sunshine and Storms / aavso | Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - 13:56 |
| Solar storm douses Mars in radiation as auroras flicker in the Red Planet sky (video) / Space | June 11, 2024 |
| India’s Aditya-L1 solar probe snaps shots of our hyperactive sun during May outburst (photos) / Space | June 11, 2024 |
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Moderate (S2) Solar Radiation Storms Observed - 08 June 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Minor (S1) solar radiation storms were observed beginning at 08/0255 UTC, and Moderate (S2) storms were observed beginning at 08/0500 UTC, following an M9.7 flare at 08/0128 UTC from Region 3697. Minor-Moderate (S1-S2) storms are expected to persist through the remainder of the 08 Jun UTC day. |
Monday, June 10, 2024 13:41 UTC |
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Strong Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 7:08 a.m. ET on Monday, June 10. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A solar flare erupting from the right edge of the Sun. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.5 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
June 10, 2024 |
| Solar flare blasts out strongest radiation storm since 2017 / Space | June 10, 2024 |
| Astrophotographer gets close-up look at monster sunspot that led to May’s global auroras / Space | June 10, 2024 |
| Why Phone Cameras Are the Hidden Secret to Taking Amazing Photos of the Northern Lights • Inverse | JUNE 9, 2024 |
| The Sun Is Hitting a Phenomenal 11-Year Peak, And The Effects Could Be Huge : ScienceAlert | 09 June 2024 |
| The sun is reaching the peak of its activity—here’s how that could cause more auroras and solar storms • Phys | June 8, 2024 |
| NASA considering an interstellar probe to study the heliosphere, the region of space influenced by the sun • Phys | June 8, 2024 |
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G2 Conditions Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G2 level conditions were reached at 1456 UTC today. |
Friday, June 07, 2024 21:36 UTC |
| Scientists call the region o!+f space influenced by the Sun the heliosphere – but without an interstellar probe, they don’t know much about its shape • The Conversation | June 7, 2024 8:42am EDT |
| The Sun is reaching the peak of its activity – here’s how that could cause more auroras and solar storms • The Conversation | June 6, 2024 3:23pm EDT |
| Missed the Auroras in May? Here’s How to See Them Next Time / Smithsonian | June 6, 2024 |
| More people Googled ‘northern lights’ in May 2024 than in any other month in history / Space | June 6, 2024 |
| STEVE, The Purple Aurora-Like Phenomenon, Has A Mysterious Morning Twin / IFLScience | June 6, 2024 |
| How to See the Northern Lights in the U.S. • Outside | Jun 5, 2024 |
| A Powerful Solar Flare Was Observed in May 2024 • My Modern Met | June 5, 2024 |
| Aurora-like STEVE phenomenon has a ‘secret twin’ that appears only before dawn, study finds / Space | June 5, 2024 |
| STEVE — the bizarre purple ribbon in the sky — has a ‘secret twin’ that appears only before dawn, study finds / Live Science | June 4, 2024 |
| Tracking the Sun’s Fury: NASA’s SDO Captures Dual X-Class Solar Flares • SciTechDaily | JUNE 4, 2024 |
| With Solar Cycle 25 still peaking, what sights, threats experts expect • Phys | JUNE 4, 2024 |
| Swarm satellites help aurora chasers discover Steve’s long-lost twin • Phys | JUNE 4, 2024 |
| The ESA’s Swarm Satellites Recorded “Something Peculiar” In The Northern Sky • Inverse | JUNE 4, 2024 |
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G1 Watch for Tuesday, June 4 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME that left the Sun on June 1 may begin to impact Earth’s atmosphere on June 4. |
Tuesday, June 04, 2024 21:12 UTC |
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Strong (R3) Flare Activity Observed - 31 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC Region 3697 produced an impulsive X1.1/2b flare (R3/Strong) at 31/2203 UTC. |
Monday, June 03, 2024 13:49 UTC |
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G2 Moderate Storm levels possible on 31 May - 01 Jun / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME associated with the X1.4 flare, produced by Region 3697 earlier in the period, is likely to enhance the Earth’s magnetic field late on 31 May into early on 01 Jun (UTC). Continue to monitor our web page for updated watches, warnings, alerts, and forecasts. |
Monday, June 03, 2024 13:49 UTC |
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X1.4 Flare from Region 3697 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center AR 3697 produced another X-class flare. This one peaked at X1.4 at 01/0848 UTC. No CME was detected in coronagraph imagery. |
Monday, June 03, 2024 13:48 UTC |
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Sun Releases 2 Strong Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, peaking at 4:48 a.m. and 2:36 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured images of the events. Two-panel image showing bright solar flares on June 1 Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The first flare is classified as an X1.4 flare, and the second flare is classified as X1.0. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
June 3, 2024 |
| Astrophotographer captures stunning close-up views of sunspot region that spawned May’s auroras / Space | June 2, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for June 2024 • EarthSky | June 1, 2024 |
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R3 Flare from Region 3697 (former Region 3664 of early May) / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3697 (old region 3664 from early May) has survived solar rotation and produced a long-duration X1 (R3; Strong) flare the morning of 29 May. |
Friday, May 31, 2024 16:01 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 6:03 p.m. ET on May 31, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in red, appears against a black background. Several bright yellow active regions appear across the Sun. A bright flash of yellow and white light can be seen in the lower left part of the Sun. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 31, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:37 a.m. ET on May 29, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in orange, appears against a black background. A few bright yellow active regions appear across the Sun. A bright flash of yellow and white light can be seen on the lower left edge of the Sun against the black background. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.4 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 31, 2024 |
| As Aurora-Causing Sunspot Returns, Here’s What To Look Out For In June / IFLScience | May 31, 2024 |
| Sun Struck: NASA Captures Intense X-Class Solar Flares • SciTechDaily | MAY 30, 2024 |
| Sun releases strong solar flare • Phys | MAY 30, 2024 |
| Sunspot Behind Stunning Auroras Is Back – And More Solar Storms Could Be Ahead / IFLScience | May 29, 2024 |
| Tracing solar wind to its source with the Solar Orbiter • Earth.com | 05-29-2024 |
| The Sun’s Cycles Might Be Driven By The Influence Of The Planets, Study Claims / IFLScience | May 29, 2024 |
| Massive sunspot responsible for May’s epic auroras unleashes major X-class solar flare (video) / Space | May 29, 2024 |
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X2.8 Flare from Old Region 3664 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An X2.8 Flare from what we believe is old Region 3664 occurred at 27/0708 UTC. Due to its far SE location, energetic particles could take some time to arrive in the near Earth environment. |
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 18:18 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 3:08 a.m. ET on May 27, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. a close up image of a solar flare on the Sun, with the Earth inset at scale for size comparison. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as a X2.8 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 28, 2024 |
| May’s Auroras Were Likely Strongest for Centuries • My Modern Met | May 28, 2024 |
| Colossal X-class solar flare suggests return of sunspot group that fueled May’s epic auroras video / Space | May 28, 2024 |
| Northern Lights Can Cause Power Surges and Other Communication Problems - Atlas Obscura | MAY 28, 2024 |
| Auroras could paint Earth’s skies again in early June. Here are the key nights to watch for. / Live Science | May 28, 2024 |
| Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heliosphere / Nature Astronomy | 28 May 2024 |
| That giant sunspot that supercharged auroras on Earth? It’s back and may amp up the northern lights with June solar storms. / Space | May 28, 2024 |
| This Solar Probe Just Helped To Trace The Origins Of Space Weather • Inverse | MAY 28, 2024 |
| The Earth’s changing, irregular magnetic field is causing headaches for polar navigation • Phys | May 27, 2024 |
| Rethinking the sun’s cycles: New physical model reinforces planetary hypothesis • Phys | MAY 27, 2024 |
| 32 stunning photos of auroras seen from space / Live Science | May 25, 2024 |
| NASA spots 16 ‘Death Star’ black holes blasting powerful beams at multiple targets / Live Science | May 25, 2024 |
| NASA’s Hi-C Rocket Experiment Captures Never-Before-Seen View of Solar Flares • SciTechDaily | MAY 25, 2024 |
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Space Weather Can Impact the Power Grid / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Did you know that space weather can actually cause power outages? How is this possible? Find out more about space weather impacts at swpc.noaa.gov/impacts/electric-power-transmission.. |
Friday, May 24, 2024 18:35 UTC |
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Historical Comparison of May 2024 Solar Storms / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Are you curious about how the recent G5 geomagnetic storm compared to other historical events?2 |
Friday, May 24, 2024 18:32 UTC |
| Why Are We Seeing These Crazy Northern Lights? / WIRED | MAY 24, 2024 11:20 AM |
| NASA Supercomputer Solves 400-Year-Old Solar Magnetic Puzzle • SciTechDaily | MAY 24, 2024 |
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Far Side CME Observed on 20 May / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A far side halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in NASA/SOHO coronagraph imagery early on 20 May, 2024. The CME was determined to be from the opposite side of the Sun and is not Earth-directed. However, old Region 3664 is back there right now and is a likely source. Will old Region 3664 survive it’s solar rotation journey? If so, the former region is anticipated to return on 26 May. Keep informed with our latest forecasts and information. |
Thursday, May 23, 2024 19:50 UTC |
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Network Maintenance: 22 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Network upgrades are still possible WEDNESDAY, May 22, between 1400 UTC and 1900 UTC. This will primarily impact GOES and WCOSS model data (WAM, Geospace, WSA-Enlil), but other intermittent network instability is also possible. In the event of significant space weather activity, this maintenance will be postponed. The proposed SWPC Network Outage for Monday, May 20, has been officially POSTPONED yet again. We will communicate the next possible date soon. |
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 21:54 UTC |
| ‘We’ll be studying this event for years’: Recent auroras may have been the strongest in 500 years, NASA says / Live Science | May 22, 2024 |
| Scientists find weird link between a solar mystery and feeding black holes / Space | May 22, 2024 |
| Scientists discover the possible origin of the sun’s magnetic field, and it’s not where they thought it was / Live Science | May 22, 2024 |
| Physicists Just Discovered Something Radical About the Sun’s Magnetic Field • Inverse | MAY 22, 2024 |
| The solar dynamo begins near the surface / Nature | 22 May 2024 |
| Controversial Findings: Astrophysicists Rethink Solar Magnetic Fields • SciTechDaily | MAY 22, 2024 |
| The Sun Unleashed: How NASA Tracked the Most Intense Solar Storm in Decades • SciTechDaily | MAY 22, 2024 |
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Space Weather Impacts / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Space weather is a two-sided coin: it creates beautiful auroras, but it can also jeopardize the technologies we rely on daily. See all the impacts of space weather at swpc.noaa.gov |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 20:43 UTC |
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Forecast Highlights for 20-22 May, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) events likely 20-21 May; and G1 (Minor) storm conditions probable on 20 May. |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 20:34 UTC |
| Strongest Geomagnetic Storm in Over 20 Years Unleashes Stunning Aurora • SciTechDaily | MAY 21, 2024 |
| Heliophysics and Programming Converge at PyHC Summer School - The Sun Spot • NASA | May 21, 2024 |
| Aurorasaurus Roars During Historic Solar Storm - NASA Science | MAY 20, 2024 |
| Solar storm frenzy of May 2024 was strong enough to affect the deep sea / Space | May 20, 2024 |
| How Solar Storms Can Shut Down The Internet, Power Grids, And Even Tractors • Inverse3 | MAY 20, 2024 |
| We may have just witnessed some of the strongest auroras in 500 years / Space | May 20, 2024 |
| Something strange is happening with Earth’s magnetic field tail / Space | May 20, 2024 |
| What danger are the auroras hiding? • Universe Magazine | May 20, 2024 |
| Stunning Aurora Light Up the Night During Epic Geomagnetic Storm • SciTechDaily | MAY 19, 2024 |
| Among solar storms, the one causing the Carrington Event was BIG • Earth Sky | May 19, 2024 |
| Will solar flares destroy modern civilization? Nah • EarthSky | May 19, 2024 |
| ‘Danger behind the beauty’: More solar storms could be heading our way • Phys | MAY 18, 2024 |
| More Northern Lights soon as Sun storms strengthen • BBC | 18 May 2024 |
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SWPC Issues Its First G4 Watch Since 2005 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center On Thursday, May 9, 2024, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch. At least five earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed and expected to arrive as early as midday Friday, May 10, 2024, and persist through Sunday, May 12, 2024. Several strong flares have been observed over the past few days and were associated with a large and magnetically complex sunspot cluster (NOAA region 3664), which is 16 times the diameter of Earth. |
Friday, May 17, 2024 13:49 UTC |
| Here we go again — new sunspot regions emerge, strong solar flare recorded. / Space | May 17, 2024 |
| NASA video: Solar storms are as impressive as the auroras they caused • New Atlas | May 17, 2024 |
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Another X-flare from Another Region! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout (X2.9 X-ray flare) was observed at 15/1438 UTC (15/1038 EDT), this time from a different region! An unnumbered region from beyond the Sun’s SE limb, likely old Region 3655, produced the flare and possible associated CME. SWPC forecasters will be doing an analysis on the CME, but due to the source location, Geomagnetic impacts are not likely at Earth. Stay tuned to our webpage for updates! |
Thursday, May 16, 2024 14:09 UTC |
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Region 3664 Remains Relentless / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3664, now over the southwest limb, produced another X-class flare at 0837 UTC. Significant magnetic looping remains visible above the region, suggesting additional strong flares are possible despite its far-side location. |
Thursday, May 16, 2024 14:09 UTC |
| The Sun Hurls its Most Powerful Flare in a Decades - Universe Today | MAY 16, 2024 |
| Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet •》The Conversation | Updated: May 13, 2024 9:09pm EDT March 18, 2022 8:31am EDT |
| How NASA Tracked the Most Intense Solar Storm in Decades - NASA Science | MAY 16, 2024 |
| Twin X-Class Flares: NASA Captures Epic Solar Showdown • SciTechDaily | MAY 16, 2024 |
| Auroras on May 10-11 wowed millions! Pics here • EarthSky | May 16, 2024 |
| India’s space agency has been carefully watching our sun’s solar tantrums / Space | May 16, 2024 |
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Region 3664 not done yet! Produces X8.7 flare…largest of the solar cycle! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3664 produced yet ANOTHER X-ray flare as it moves beyond the Western solar limb!! This time, it was an X8.7 flare, the largest of this solar cycle! Due to its location, any CME associated with this flare will likely NOT have any geomagnetic impacts on Earth. As always, stay tuned to our website for updates! **CORRECTED for magnitude 8.7, not 8.8** |
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 14:28 UTC |
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Two R3 Strong Radio Blackouts in past 12 hours / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3664 continues to produce large X-ray flares as it continues its transit of the western limb. The latest two came within 12 hours of each other. We could continue to see flares from this region for the next day or so, but any CMEs associated with these flares are not likely to have any impacts at Earth. If it holds together, we could see Region 3664 rotate back onto the visible side of the Sun in about two weeks! Stay tuned to our website for updated forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. |
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 14:28 UTC |
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G2 Watch in Effect for May 14 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another CME may arrive at Earth and lead to increased geomagnetic activity. |
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 13:22 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:38 a.m. ET on May 15, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in teal, appears against a black background. Swirling across the Sun are many bright teal active regions. On the left, a bright flash of teal and white light, forming an “X” shape, can be seen on the edge of the Sun against the black background. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X2.9 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 15, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 4:37 a.m. ET on May 15, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in teal, against a black background. Swirling across the Sun are many bright teal active regions. On the right, a bright flash of teal and white light, forming an “X” shape, can be seen against the Sun and the black background. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X3.4 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 15, 2024 |
| Huge, solar flare-launching sunspot has rotated away from Earth. But will it return? / Space | May 15, 2024 |
| NASA Captures Triple X-Class Solar Eruptions – Including a Powerful X8.7 Flare • SciTechDaily | MAY 15, 2024 |
| Biggest Solar Flare In 2 Decades Released By The Sun, Causing Blackouts / IFLScience | May 15, 2024 |
| Solar storm detected in deep sea observatories • Ocean Networks Canada Communications4 | MAY 15, 2024 |
| How do you forecast a solar storm? Space weather experts explain / Space | May 15, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 12:51 p.m. ET on May 14, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The red and yellow Sun against a black background. The Sun is primarily red with several bright yellow active regions swirling across its surface. On the right, a bright yellow burst is seen cascading off the Sun against the black background. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X8.7 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 14, 2024 |
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Sun Releases 2 Strong Solar Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, the first peaking at 10:09 p.m. ET on May 13, 2024, and the second peaking at 8:55 a.m. ET on May 14, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured images of the event. On the left, a portion of a purple Sun, with a bright flash of white-blue material against a black background. On the right, a dark golden Sun, with a bright pink flash against a black background. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The first flare is classified as an X1.7 class flare and the second flare is classified as an X1.2 class flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 14, 2024 |
| Sun unleashes massive X8.7 solar flare, biggest of current cycle, from super-active monster sunspot (video) / Space | May 14, 2024 |
| The Sun’s Fury Sparked Breathtaking Auroras Worldwide. Why Do We See Different Colors? • ScienceAlert | 14 May 2024 |
| Biggest solar flare since 2019 erupts today, more radio blackouts - Earth.com | 05-14-2024 |
| Why Is the Sun So Active Right Now? - Atlas Obscura | MAY 14, 2024 |
| Solar storms that caused pretty auroras can create havoc with technology — here’s how • The Conversation | May 14, 2024 12:24pm EDT |
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X-class Flares Continue to Occur / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Sunspot Region 3664 remains active and continues to produce X-class flares. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:27 UTC |
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G5 Conditions Reached Yet Again! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G5 conditions were yet again observed early Saturday morning. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:27 UTC |
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Severe and Extreme (G4-G5) Geomagnetic Storms Likely on 12 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another series of CMEs associated with flare activity from Region 3664 over the past several days are expected to merge and arrive at Earth by midday (UTC) on 12 May. Periods of G4-G5 (Severe-Extreme) geomagnetic storms are likely to follow the arrival of these CMEs. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:25 UTC |
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Historic Geomagnetic Storm Continues / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The historic geomagnetic storm will continue into Monday. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:23 UTC |
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Geomagnetic Storming to Persist Tonight / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Conditions are expected to gradually wane into Monday. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:20 UTC |
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Yet Another X-class Flare! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center NOAA Sunspot Region 3664 just produced another X-class flare. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:20 UTC |
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G3 Geomagnetic Storm WARNING in effect until 06 UTC on May 13 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 conditions are expected once again. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:19 UTC |
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Secondary Peak in Solar Storm Likely / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Forecasters are still expecting a secondary peak in the current solar storm. |
Monday, May 13, 2024 01:26 UTC |
| Aurora photos: Stunning northern lights glisten after biggest geomagnetic storm in 21 years / Live Science | May 13, 2024 |
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Why Does the Aurora Change Colors? / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Red, Green, Blue? Why does the Aurora change colors? Chemistry! |
Monday, May 13, 2024 12:30 UTC |
| Why are auroras so hard to predict? And when can we expect more? • The Conversation | May 13, 2024 8:06pm EDT |
| Best photos of the most powerful aurora borealis • Universe Magazine | May 13, 2024 |
| How a giant sunspot unleashed solar storms that spawned global auroras that just dazzled us all / Space | May 13, 2024 |
| Why Were Aurorae Seen So Far Away From The Poles This Weekend? / IFLScience | May 13, 2024 |
| Dazzling auroras fade from skies as sunspot turns away • Phys | MAY 13, 2024 |
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Severe to Extreme Geomagnetic Storming is Possible Again Later Today / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Severe to extreme geomagnetic storming is possible again later today. |
Sunday, May 12, 2024 23:28 UTC |
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G4 or Greater WATCH Remains in Effect / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A G4 or Greater WATCH Remains in Effect for May 12. |
Sunday, May 12, 2024 23:23 UTC |
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Strong Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 12:26 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 12. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The disk of the Sun, colorized in teal, features a bright flash on the lower right. Less intense bright spots and loops of material dot much of the Sun’s surface. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.0 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 12, 2024 |
| What causes the different colours of the aurora? An expert explains the electric rainbow | May 12, 2024 10:42pm EDT |
| Impact of solar storm that pushed Northern Lights to lower latitudes is waning : NPR | MAY 12, 2024 3:11 PM ET |
| NOAA: “Strong” solar storms and auroras continuing into Tuesday - Earth.com | 05-13-2024 |
| Cosmic Firestorm: Sun Unleashes Powerful X3.9 Solar Flare • SciTechDaily | MAY 12, 2024 |
| ‘Extreme’ solar storms cook up sweet Mother’s Day auroras for Moms everywhere / Space | May 12, 2024 |
| Extreme solar storms mean gorgeous views of auroras / Digital Trends | May 12, 2024 |
| Second night of auroras seen ‘extreme’ solar storm • Phys | MAY 12, 2024 |
| New solar flare, secondary peak in “Extreme” solar storm - Earth.com | 05-12-2024 |
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Geomagnetic Storming Likely to Persist This Weekend / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 (Severe) geomagnetic conditions have been observed today, and geomagnetic storming will persist through the weekend. |
Saturday, May 11, 2024 13:59 UTC |
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Yet Another X-class Flare / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Yet another X-class flare has been observed. |
Saturday, May 11, 2024 13:55 UTC |
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G5 Conditions Observed! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G5 Conditions were first observed at Earth at 6:54 p.m. EDT today. |
Saturday, May 11, 2024 13:54 UTC |
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G4 Conditions Observed! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G4 conditions were observed by SWPC around 12:37 p.m. EDT today and significant to severe geomagnetic storming is likely to continue. |
Saturday, May 11, 2024 00:00 UTC |
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Sun Releases 2 Strong Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, peaking at 9:23 p.m. ET on May 10, 2024, and 7:44 a.m. ET on May 11, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A side-by-side image of two solar flares that erupted on May 10-11, 2024. The images show close-ups of one edge of the Sun, with bright flashes (the flare) towards the center of the image Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The flares are classified as X5.8 and X1.5-class flares, respectively. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 11, 2024 |
| NOAA says “extreme” solar storm will persist through the weekend / Ars Technica | 5/11/2024, 9:44 AM |
| “Extreme” and rare G5 solar storm hits Earth on Saturday - Earth.com | 05-11-2024 |
| Jaw-dropping northern lights from massive solar flares amaze skywatchers around the world. ‘We have a very rare event on our hands.’ (photos) / Space | May 11, 2024 |
| The stormy sun erupts with its biggest solar flare yet from a massive sunspot — and it’s still crackling (video) / Space | May 11, 2024 |
| More “Severe"” and “Extreme” solar storms expected tonight - Earth.com | 05-11-2024 |
| Rapid-Fire Solar Flares Unleashed: NASA Witnesses 82 Intense Flares This Week (Video) • SciTechDaily | MAY 11, 2024 |
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G4 Watch In Effect for May 11 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Multiple CMEs erupted associated with flare activity from Region 3664 on 07-09 May. These CMEs are expected to merge with potential arrival expected by early May 11 on the UTC day. |
Friday, May 10, 2024 22:40 UTC |
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Severe Geomagnetic Storming Likely to Continue / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm is still likely this weekend. |
Friday, May 10, 2024 22:39 UTC |
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S1 Radiation Event in Progress / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A low-level solar energetic particle event started at 10/1335 UTC. This is a response to flare activity from Region 3664. |
Friday, May 10, 2024 19:02 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 2:54 a.m. ET on May 10, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The bottom right area of the Sun, shown in gold and against a black background. There are some loops cascading off the Sun. Toward the middle is a bright white area — the solar flare. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X3.9 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 10, 2024 |
| Watch monster sunspot grow to be 15 times wider than Earth (video) / Space | May 10, 2024 |
| Behemoth sunspot AR3664 unleashes its biggest solar flare yet, sparking radio blackouts on Earth (video) / Space | May 10, 2024 |
| Giant sunspot region now visible in eclipse glasses • EarthSky | May 10, 2024 |
| Auroras expected across the U.S. from massive solar storm - Earth.com | 05-10-2024 |
| “Severe” solar storm hits Earth, NOAA warning in effect all week - Earth.com | 05-10-2024 |
| First ‘extreme’ solar storm in 20 years brings spectacular auroras • Phys | MAY 10, 2024 |
| NOAA Issues First Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005 – Giant Sunspot Cluster 16x Earth’s Diameter • SciTechDaily | MAY 10, 2024 |
| Solar Stormwatch: NASA Catches Intense X1.1 Flare in Action • SciTechDaily | MAY 10, 2024 |
| NOAA Issues Warning Strongest Geomagnetic Storm In 20 Years Is About To Hit Earth / IFLScience | May 10, 2024 |
| The Sun Is Experiencing a ‘Potentially Historic’ Eruption — With Possible Serious Consequences for Earth • Inverse | MAY 10, 2024 |
| Are we ready for the next big solar storm? • Astronomy | May 10, 2024 |
| A solar storm like the Carrington Event could knock out the Internet • Astronomy | May 10, 2024 |
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Large and Complex Sunspot Groups Lead to Increased Solar Flare Chances / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Sunspot Region 3663’s history of activity and the continued growth and complexity of Region 3664, are leading to increased solar flare risk. Region 3663 has been the source of most solar flare activity, including the flury of R3 (Strong) events 5-6 May, however, Region 3664 has grown considerably and has become much more magnetically complex. This has led to increased solar flare probabilities over the next several days. Continue to follow our web page for the latest information and forecasts. |
Thursday, May 09, 2024 20:40 UTC |
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Multiple R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackouts Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Both Regions 3663 and 3664 have produced X1 level flares as of the close of 08 May (UTC). The latest, pictured here, comes from Region 3664. Three of these events, all from Region 3664, have produced halo CMEs which are currently forecast to arrive on 10-11 May (UTC). However, the latter of these events is still undergoing analysis and modeling as of the time of this writing. In conjunction with these is an unrelated filament eruption that took place on the 8th as well that modeling suggests may give a glancing blow to Earth by late on the 11th. Stay tuned to the https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion and https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-forecast for the latest details and geomagnetic storm forecast regarding these events. |
Thursday, May 09, 2024 20:39 UTC |
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Yet Another X Flare Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Yet another strong (X2.2) flare was observed from Region 3664 around 0900 UTC today. This event is still undergoing analysis and modeling but in conjunction with previous flares and associated activity G3 geomagnetic storming is possible by early May 11. Stay tuned to the https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion and https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-forecast for the latest details and geomagnetic storm forecast regarding these events. |
Thursday, May 09, 2024 20:20 UTC |
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G3 Watch valid for 11 May / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Multiple CMEs erupted associated with flare activity from Region 3664 on 07-08 May. These CMEs are expected to merge together with potential arrival expected late on 10 May to early on 11 May (UTC dates). |
Thursday, May 09, 2024 17:43 UTC |
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Sun Releases 2 Strong Solar Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, peaking at 5:40 p.m. ET on May 8, 2024, and 5:13 a.m. ET on May 9, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured images of the events. On the left, a teal Sun against a black background. The Sun has bright spots, especially on the far left and far right, but the brightest spot is slight to the right of center. There there is a bright flash — the flare. On the right, the same Sun, shown in red. The bright flash of the second flare is in the same spot as the first. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The first flare is classified as an X1.0 flare and the second flare is classified as an X2.2 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 9, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 1:44 p.m. ET on May 9, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A composite image of the Sun in blue, green, and red shows an X-class flare as a large, bright burst of white and red light in the lower right. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 9, 2024 |
| NOAA Alert: First “Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch” since 2005 - Earth.com | 05-09-2024 |
| Solar Fury Unleashed: Twin X-Class Flares Light Up the Sky • SciTechDaily | MAY 9, 2024 |
| 4 large incoming solar bursts could supercharge the auroras this weekend / Space | May 9, 2024 |
| Gargantuan sunspot 15-Earths wide erupts with another colossal X-class solar flare (video) / Space | May 9, 2024 |
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Multiple R3 Flares from 5-6 May, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Sun unleashed a series of X-class flares (R3; Strong) from 5 to 6 May, 2024. Multiple M-class flares (R1-R2; Minor-Moderate) events have also occurred since May 5th. However, intensity of the flares first breached R3 thresholds on May 5th at 2:01 EDT (0601 UTC) with an X1.3 flare. An X1.2 flare occurred later at 7:54am EDT (1154 UTC). The most recent X-class flare reached X4.5 on May 6th at 2:35am EDT (0635 UTC) - the strongest of this series of flares. However, this was not the strongest flare of Solar Cycle 25 thus far - that honor is still held by an X6 flare on February 22nd, 2024. The current source of the strong flare activity is NOAA/SWPC Region 3663, a complex sunspot cluster over the northern solar hemisphere. There remains a continuing likelihood of additional M-class flares, with a good chance of additional X-class flares over the next three days. Continue to monitor our webpage for the latest information and forecasts. |
Wednesday, May 08, 2024 02:15 UTC |
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Sun Releases 2 Strong Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, the first peaking at 9:41 p.m. ET on May 7, 2024, and the second peaking at 1:09 a.m. ET on May 8, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured images of the events. A split screen view of the Sun, shown in a dark orange and black. On the left, the May 8 flare is a bright white burrst of sputtering solar material. On the right, the May 7 flare is a bright white burst of solar material seen near the black expanse of space. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. Both flares were classified as X1.0 flares. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 8, 2024 |
| Safe ways to look at the Sun (and you know you want to!) • Astronomy | May 8, 2024 |
| Sun explodes in a flurry of powerful solar flares from hyperactive sunspots (video) / Space | May 8, 2024 |
| Solar Max is Coming. The Sun Just Released Three X-Class Flares - Universe Today | MAY 7, 2024 |
| See the sun’s corona revealed in all its glory during 2024 total solar eclipse (photo) / Space | May 7, 2024 |
| Powerful Solar Storm Triggers Radio Blackouts Across Pacific Region / SYFY WIRE | May 7, 2024, 2:10 PM ET |
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R3 (Strong) HF Radio Blackout Event 06 May, 2024 UTC-Day / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 level flare occurred at 0635 UTC on 06 May due to flare activity from Region 3663. |
Monday, May 06, 2024 17:00 UTC |
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Strong (R3) Flare Activity Observed - 05 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3663 produced X1 flares (R3/Strong) at 0601 UTC and 1154 UTC on 05 May, in addition to multiple M-class flares (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) over the past 24 hours. Region 3663 is the largest and most complex sunspot region on the disk, and has produced a total of fourteen M-flares and three X-flares since it emerged on 30 Apr. M-class flare activity is expected, with a chance for additional X-class flares, through 08 May due to the flare potential and history of Region 3663. |
Monday, May 06, 2024 16:35 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout Observed at 03/0222 UTC / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A strong X-ray flare event reaching the X1.6 level from Region 3663 was observed at 03/0222 UTC. Stay tuned for the 1230 UTC forecast found at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for details concerning any possible Earth-directed CME related to this event. |
Monday, May 06, 2024 16:34 UTC |
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Sun Releases Three Strong Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted three strong solar flares. The first flare peaked at 2:01 A.M. ET on May 5, 2024, and the second peaked at 7:54 A.M. ET on May 5, 2024. The third peaked at 2:35 A.M. ET on May 6, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A cropped view of the Sun, colorized in teal. The Sun is rotating toward the right. As it rotates, a bright real active region ejects solar material several times. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The first flare is classified as an X1.3 flare. The second flare is classified as an X1.2 flare. The third flare is classified as an X4.5 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 6, 2024 |
| **Sun unleashes X-class solar flare, radio blackouts reported (video) / Space** | May 6, 2024 |
| Spacecraft captures absolutely incredible video of plasma swirling on the sun / Space | May 6, 2024 |
| Space photo of the week: A planet-size explosion rocks the sun’s ‘mossy’ corona / Live Science | May 5, 2024 |
| Intense Solar Flare Captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory • SciTechDaily | MAY 5, 2024 |
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Strong (G3) Storm Periods Observed - 02 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm conditions were observed on 02 May 2024 due to CME activity. The CME, which arrived at around 02/1317 UTC, caused G1 (Minor) storms beginning at 02/1605 UTC, and G2 (Moderate) conditions beginning at 02/1624 UTC. G3 (Strong) storm levels were observed beginning at 02/1759 UTC and are expected to continue into the early hours of the 03 May UTC day. A G3 Warning is valid until 03/0300 UTC. |
Saturday, May 04, 2024 03:24 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 10:22 p.m. ET on May 2, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, colorized in teal. There are many bright active areas on the star, including on the bottom left and bottom right areas. Toward the upper middle of the Sun, there is a bright flash, creating an “X” shape. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.6 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
May 3, 2024 |
| Massive solar flares erupt towards Earth causing radio blackouts - Earth.com | 05-03-2024 |
| Sola “Moss” And Coronal “Rain” Captured In Incredible New Close-Up Video Of The Sun / IFLScience | May 3, 2024 |
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SWPC Network Outage / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC is currently experiencing an unplanned network outage. Real time data stopped updating at ~01/0821 UTC. Routine products and services will experience interruptions until the issue is resolved. |
Thursday, May 02, 2024 13:54 UTC |
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Periodic Network Outages Expected on 02 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Due to emergency maintenance, the Space Weather Prediction Center will experience periodic network irregularities on Thursday, May 2, 2024. The timeline of expected impacts is the following: 1300-1315 UTC: Intermittent network instability 1500-1600 UTC: Severely limited services 1900-1915 UTC: Intermittent network instability 2000-2200 UTC: Testing - limited/few impacts expected During portions of this period, SWPC will be unable to issue routine products, watches, warnings, and alerts. Access to products and data on the SWPC website will also be impacted and at times will be severely limited to completely unavailable. |
Thursday, May 02, 2024 13:16 UTC |
| 2 colossal solar flares explode from the sun and Earth is in the firing line (video) / Space | May 3, 2024 |
| Solar storm warning: Power and satellite disruption, aurorae, more - Earth.com | 05-02-2024 |
| Sun unleashes near X-class solar flare — M9.5 eruption sparks radio blackouts across the Pacific (video) / Space | May 1, 2024 |
| Solar maximum — What is it and when will it occur? / Space | May 1, 2024 |
| NASA on Alert: Scientists Gear Up for Solar Storms at Mars • SciTechDaily | MAY 1, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for May 2024 • EarthSky | May 1, 2024 |
| NASA Scientists Gear Up for Solar Storms at Mars - NASA | APR 29, 2024* |
| 3.7 Billion Years Old: Oldest Undisputed Evidence of Earth’s Magnetic Field Uncovered in Greenland • SciTechDaily | APRIL 24, 2024 |
| Giant gamma-ray flare from ‘recently deceased’ magnetar lights up Cigar Galaxy / Space | April 24, 2024 |
| Four Regions Of The Sun Seen Exploding Simultaneously / IFLScience | April 24, 2024 |
| Rare quadruple eruption from sun caught on camera (video) / Space | April 23, 2024 |
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Space Weather Workshop is this week! / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The 2024 Space Weather Workshop will be held in person along with a virtual component, April 15-19, 2024 in Boulder, CO at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Boulder. This meeting will bring together Federal agencies, the academic community, the private sector, and international partners to focus on the diverse impacts of space weather, on forecasting techniques, and on recent scientific advances in understanding and predicting conditions in the space environment. The latest information, including a detailed agenda, can be found on the workshop’s website. |
Monday, April 22, 2024 13:52 UTC |
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G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm In Progress / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm levels were reached at approximately 19/1951 UTC. Strong or higher geomagnetic storm levels are expected to continue for the remainder of 19 Apr. |
Monday, April 22, 2024 13:50 UTC |
| Rieger, Schwabe, Suess-de Vries: The Sunny Beats of Resonance / Solar Physics | 19 April 2024 |
| Stonehenge may have aligned with the Moon as well as the Sun • The Conversation | April 19, 2024 12:21pm EDT |
| Hydrogen Recombination Sheds Light on Stellar Superflare Mysteries • SciTechDaily | APRIL 18, 2024 |
| NASA Observations Find What Helps Heat Roots of ‘Moss’ on Sun - NASA Science | APR 16, 2024 |
| How to keep Earth from being cooked by the ever-hotter Sun / Ars Technica | 4/16/2024, 7:30 AM |
| These 3 stars are losing weight fast — thanks to stellar winds way stronger than the sun’s / Space | April 15, 2024 |
| Monday’s total solar eclipse from space • EarthSky | April 12, 2024 |
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Total Solar Eclipse Science from the Backyard / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The total solar eclipse will be a great time for science from the backyard. During totality, what will the Sun’s corona look like? Might there be a coronal mass ejection departing the Sun? Could there be a massive solar prominence suspended above the solar disk? These are some of the things to look for when the Sun is completely eclipsed by the Moon (the only safe time to look at the eclipse is during totality). The total solar eclipse of 2017 revealed the Sun’s corona in all its glory as captured in the NOAA/SWPC employee photograph. When their photo was aligned and compared to the NASA/SOHO coronagraph imagery for the same time (with the help of jhelioviewer), the three coronal streamers evident from the spacecraft 1 million miles from Earth were also visible from the surface of Earth at the same time. Science from the backyard! Enjoy the event everyone and most of all, be safe. |
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 23:40 UTC |
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G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storming Watch for 04-05 Apr / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Recurrent, negative polarity CH HSS effects are likely to bring isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming levels on 04-05 Apr. |
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 23:40 UTC |
| Making Ultra-fast Electron Measurements in Multiple Directions to Reveal the Secrets of the Aurora - NASA Science | APR 09, 2024 |
| Post-midnight purple arc and patches appeared on the high latitude part of the auroral oval: Dawnside counterpart of STEVE? / Earth, Planets and Space | 09 April 2024 |
| Total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024. Experience it here! • EarthSky | April 9, 2024 |
| Solar Storm Secrets Unveiled: Tree Ring Evidence From the 1859 Carrington Event • SciTechDaily | APRIL 9, 2024 |
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Release of Experimental Upgrade to the Electric Power Community Dashboard / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Effective February 29, 2024, NOAA/SWPC will deploy an experimental version an updated Electric Power Community Dashboard. The new web page will add displays for SWPC’s geoelectric field models, thereby improving the accessibility and visibility of this product to the user community for which it was developed. User comments are welcome during this experimental phase through March 30, 2024, after which time SWPC intends to move forward with full implementation of the update. The url for the web https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/experimental/electric-power-community-dashboard A full description of the Public Information Statement may be found here: https://www.weather.gov/notification |
Tuesday, April 02, 2024 18:14 UTC |
| Geomagnetic Meltdown: NOAA Satellites Detect Severe Solar Storm • SciTechDaily | APRIL 2, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for April 2024 • EarthSky | April 1, 2024 |
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PHONE OUTAGE - Saturday, March 30 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Planned Telephone Outage at SWPC on Saturday, March 30 All voice services (calling, voicemail) for the entire Boulder campus will be unavailable. When: Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM MT What You Need to Know: During this time, voice services will be down or in a degraded state. All other forms of communication will remain unaffected. |
Sunday, March 31, 2024 14:56 UTC |
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CME Associated with X1 Flare on 28 March 2024 to Miss Earth / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The coronal mass ejection (CME) that departed the west-southwest solar limb on 28 March 2024, was determined to be not Earth-directed. This CME was associated with the X1 (R3) flare that peaked at 2056 UTC. |
Sunday, March 31, 2024 14:56 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) Radio Blackout on 28 March / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An R3 (Strong) radio blackout event peaked at 28/2056 UTC (X1.1/3b) from Region 3615. |
Friday, March 29, 2024 16:04 UTC |
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R1-2 (Minor-Moderate) Radio Blackouts Continue / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center AR 3615 continues to be the main culprit of activity producing R1 and 2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts, the latest of which registered at M7.1 at 28/0629 UTC. Observe near real time X-ray flux data at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/goes-x-ray-flux, and check out the latest forecast discussion at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for the 3-day flare forecast. |
Friday, March 29, 2024 16:01 UTC |
| Solar Power Surge: Sun Emits Intense X1.1 Flare • SciTechDaily | MARCH 29, 2024 |
| Powerful X-class solar flare slams Earth, triggering radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean / Live Science | March 29, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 4:56 p.m. ET on March 28, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A view of the Sun colorized in green shows a bright flash of light on the right side. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
March 28, 2024* |
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G1 (Minor) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 26 Mar / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Lingering CME effects coupled with negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream influences could likely lead to isolated periods of minor geomagnetic storming. The latest 3-hr planetary K indices can be found at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/planetary-k-index and the current aurora viewing forecast can be found at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast. |
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 04:18 UTC |
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G3 Watch still valid, but conditions diminishing / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The G3 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch, associated with the arrival of the CME that departed the Sun on 23 Mar, remains in effect. However, conditions are showing signs of weakening, lessening the chances for G3 levels to be exceeded. The solar wind environment is still enhanced, and any small adjustment in the magnetic field could bring conditions back to G3 levels. Therefore, forecasters are keeping the G3 watch active until the end of the UT day, then lessening the impacts expected to G1 (Minor) storm levels. Stay tuned to our website for updates and changes. |
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 07:00 UTC |
| Elusive “Ghost” Particles from Space May Solve A Longstanding Mystery In Quantum Physics • Inverse | March 26, 2024 |
| NOAA: Severe solar storm warning status update - Earth.com | 03-26-2024 |
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Geomagnetic Storm Watches Issued for 24-25 March 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A CME associated with an X1.1 flare observed at 23/0133 UTC is expected to arrive at Earth late on 24 Mar through 25 Mar. Periods of G2 (Moderate) storming are likely on 24 Mar and periods of G3 (Strong) storming are likely on 25 Mar. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 18:24 UTC |
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Halo CME Detected - Associated with X1 Flare on 23 March UTC-Day / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A halo CME, associated with the X1 flare, was detected in NASA/SOHO coronagraph imagery on the 23 March UTC-day. The CME is currently under analysis by SWPC forecasters. It appears quite probable this CME could be Earth-directed, however, until full analysis is accomplished, any decisions about arrival potential, timing, and intensity will have to wait. Keep informed by continuing to visit our SWPC web page for the latest information and updates. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 17:41 UTC |
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Solar Radiation Storms at S1-S2 (Minor-Moderate) Levels - 23 March 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The greater than 10 MeV proton flux became enhanced beginning at around 23/0400 UTC, following an X1.1 flare at 23/0133 UTC from Region 3614 (N17W00, Dso/beta). Flux values exceeded the S1 (Minor) threshold at 23/0815 UTC and the S2 (Moderate) threshold at 23/1405 UTC. Solar radiation storms at S1-S2 levels are expected to continue through the remainder of 23 March and persist into 24 March. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 17:40 UTC |
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R3 (Strong) level flare event on 22 March, 2024 (EDT) / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center R3 (Strong) levels were reached on 22 March, 2024. The flare activity began from Region 3614 (to the north), and was still in progress when another flare erupted from Region 3615 (to the south). It’s tough to say with certainty at this point which flare was the source of R3 levels, but the flare from 3614 appears to have a likely coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with it. We must await imagery to be sure and began analysis accordingly. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 17:39 UTC |
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Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storms Observed - 24 March 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The 23 March CME arrived at around 24/1411 UTC. Severe (G4) geomagnetic storming has been observed and is expected to continue through the remainder of the 24 March-UTC day and into the first half of 25 March. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 17:38 UTC |
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Geomagnetic Storm due to CME Continues on Sunday, 24 March 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Geomagnetic storm levels continue in response to coronal mass ejection (CME) arrival and passage. G1 (Minor) through G4 (Severe) levels were already reached with this storm. G3 (Strong) or higher storm levels remain possible into the evening as CME progression continues. Please keep visiting our SWPC webpage for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Monday, March 25, 2024 17:37 UTC |
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Sun Releases Strong Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 9:33 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 22. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A view of the Sun colorized in blue shows two bright flashes of light near the Sun’s center and top. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as a X1.1 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
March 25, 2024 |
| Earth hit by radiation from rare ‘double’ X-class solar flare, triggering most powerful geomagnetic storm in 6 years / Live Science | March 25, 2024 |
| Strongest solar storm since 2017 hits Earth but leaves aurora chasers in the dark / Space | March 25, 2024 |
| Imaging of 3 bright terrestrial gamma-ray flashes by the atmosphere-space interactions monitor and their parent thunderstorms / Scientific Reports | 23 March 2024 |
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G1 Minor Storm leves reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Better late than never! A CME that left the Sun around 17 Mar, and was forecast to side-swipe the Earth sometime between 20 and 21 Mar, finally arrived! The initial indications of the CME’s arrival were observed overnight in the real time solar windreal time solar wind data, as indicated on the ACE/DSCOVR spacecraft. The impact at Earth was observed some hours later by the magnetometers around the globe, sparking a G1 Warning and subsequent Alert by SWPC forecasters. While a G1 is on the lower end of the real time solar wind, it can produce some good aurora viewing in the nighttime sectors in the upper latitudes. Stay tuned to the SWPC web page for updated watches, warnings, alerts, and forecasts. |
Friday, March 22, 2024 23:43 UTC |
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AR 3615 Produces an M7.4 Flare / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Region 3615 produced an M7.4 flare at 20/0736 UTC. No apparent associated coronal mass ejection is evident at this time. However, stay tuned at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for the latest forecast updates. |
Friday, March 22, 2024 23:43 UTC |
| Astronomers Discover Surprising Radio Signals Emanating From the Sun • SciTechDaily | MARCH 20, 2024 |
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Former Active Region 3590 Detected on the Sun’s Far Side / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Former Active Region 3590 appears to have been detected in NSO Gong helioseismology. The region was the source of the February 22nd X6 (R3) solar flare - the largest thus far in Solar Cycle 25 - the largest thus far in Solar Cycle 25 • NASA . We will have to wait and see whether the old spot complex survives until it rotates back into Earth-view. Continue to visit our web page for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 18:10 UTC |
| Solar flare could cause X-ray auroras • Universe Magazine | March 19, 2024 |
| Are solar storms dangerous to us on Earth? • EarthSky | March 18, 2024 |
| NASA-Supported Team Discovers Aurora-Like Radio Bursts Above Sunspot • NASA | Mar 13, 2024 |
| Mercury slammed by gargantuan eruption from the sun’s hidden far side, possibly triggering ‘X-ray auroras’ / Live Science | March 12, 2024 |
| Powerful solar flare eruption from ‘sneaky’ sunspot triggers widespread radio blackouts (video) / Space | March 11, 2024 |
| It’s aurora season. Why more auroras at equinoxes? • EarthSky | March 10, 2024 |
| Daily Telescope: A brilliant shot of a comet as it nears the Sun / Ars Technica | 3/7/2024, 8:00 AM |
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Sunspot Region 3590 Evolution from February 19-27th / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Sunspot Region 3590 underwent notable growth and development since rotating into Earth-view. Images from the NASA/SDO satellite captured these changes in the sunspot group as it has rotated across the visible solar disk. This sunspot group was the source of the February 22nd X6 (R3) solar flare - the largest thus far in Solar Cycle 25. The region remains quite large and its size and length are many times the size of Earth. Continue to visit our web page for the latest information, forecasts, and updates. |
Wednesday, March 06, 2024 20:15 UTC |
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G1 Minor Storm levels reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels were reached at 03/1424 UTC (03/0924 EST) following the likely arrival of the CME that departed the Sun on 28 Feb. Conditions are expected to last through 03/2359 UTC (03/1859 EST). Continue to monitor our web page for updates. |
Wednesday, March 06, 2024 20:08 UTC |
| When will the sun die? / Space | March 6, 2024 |
| Photos of AR3590, biggest sunspot of Solar Cycle 25 so far • EarthSky | March 2, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for March 2024 • EarthSky | March 1, 2024 |
| Why March is the best month to see the northern lights / Space | March 1, 2024 |
| Weird dent in Earth’s magnetic field is messing with auroras in the Southern Hemisphere / Live Science | March 1, 2024 |
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Strongest Flare of the Current Solar Cycle / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Another X-class flare from Region 3590 peaked at approximately 1734 EST on Feb. 22, 2024. The X6.3 flare was the largest of the three X-class flares that occurred in the past 24 hours, and the strongest of this solar cycle. While impressive, this event still poses no significant threat to the general public. Stay up to date with the latest forecast discussions https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion. |
Monday, February 26, 2024 16:58 UTC |
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Two Major Solar Flares; Effects on Cellular Networks Unlikely / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The Sun emitted two strong solar flares (both R3 on the NOAA Space Weather Scales), the first one peaking at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2024, and the second peaking at 1:32 a.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024. While solar flares can affect communication systems, radar, and the Global Positioning System, based on the intensity of the eruption and associated phenomena, it is highly unlikely that these flares contributed to the widely reported cellular network outages. NOAA and SWPC will continue to monitor the solar and near-Earth space environment for potential impacts to critical infrastructure and essential services. |
Monday, February 26, 2024 16:58 UTC |
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21 & 22 Feb R3 Events / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center X1.8 and X1.7 flares from Region 3590 occurred at 21/2307 UTC and 22/0632 UTC. This region continues to exhibit strong magnetic complexity and is currently classified as a Beta-Gamma-Delta. No apparent CME’s resulting from these events have been observed as of the time of this writing, but can not be ruled out. Stay up to date with the latest forecast discussions at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion. |
Monday, February 26, 2024 16:58 UTC |
| Strongest solar flare in 7 years to cause Earth disruptions - Earth.com | 02-27-2024 |
| Gargantuan sunspot that spit out the strongest solar flare in 6 years is now pointing ‘almost directly’ at Earth / Live Science | February 27, 2024 |
| Put on your eclipse glasses and look up to see the biggest sunspot in years before it disappears from view / Space | February 27, 2024 |
| Fury Unleashed: Sun Emits Monumental X6.3 Flare, the Strongest in 6 Years • SciTechDaily | FEBRUARY 25, 2024 |
| Powerful Solar Flare Causes Radio Blackout Over Western US • Newsweek | Feb 23, 2024 at 3:24 AM EST |
| 3rd X-class solar flare in 24 hours is the most powerful for 6 years — and it may not be the last / Live Science | February 23, 2024 |
| The Sun Gets Feisty, Throwing Off Three X-Class Flares Within 24 Hours - Universe Today | FEBRUARY 23, 2024 |
| Sun erupts with most powerful solar flare since 2017 amid explosive week (video) / Space | February 23, 2024 |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 5:34 p.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. The Sun, shown in bronze. There are several bright areas and one very dark splotch. On the upper left is a bright white line – this is the flare. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X6.3 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
February 22, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Two Strong Flares – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted two strong solar flares, the first one peaking at 6:07 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2024, and the second peaking at 1:32 a.m. EST on Feb. 22, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A teal Sun is slowly rotating against the black expanse of space. A few bright active regions are seen on the Sun. On the upper left area, there eruption of light off the Sun, then again a few moments later. On the bottom left, a small eruption of solar material is seen. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The first flare is classified as an X1.8 flare. The second flare is classified as an X1.7 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
February 22, 2024 |
| Are solar flares responsible for the AT&T service outage? Not likely, experts say. / Live Science | February 22, 2024 |
| **Powerful twin solar flares erupt from sun as cell phone outages spike across US (video) / Space** | February 22, 2024 |
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Are You Ready for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse? / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) has created an interactive map. . The map shows the average weather conditions across the contiguous U.S. to find the best spot for viewing the total eclipse. Check it out: map shows the average weather conditions across the contiguous U.S. to find the best spot for viewing the total eclipse |
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - 20:18 |
| X2.5 Solar Flare Unleashed / NASA’s SDO Captures Powerful Spectacle • SciTechDaily | FEBRUARY 21, 2024 |
| **‘A wonderful spectacle’: Photographer snaps rare solar eruption as ‘magnetic noose’ strangles the sun’s south pole / Live Science*** | February 21, 2024 |
| In light of the solar maximum, a look at the biggest solar storm in recorded history : Short Wave : NPR | FEBRUARY 21, 2024 3:00 AM ET |
| See the sun’s surface rage as solar maximum approaches (photo) / Space | February 21, 2024 |
| Capturing a comet’s tail to keep Earth safe from the sun • Phys | FEBRUARY 20, 2024 |
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X2.5 Flare from Region 3576 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center An impulsive X2.5 flare occurred from Region 3576. Stay tuned for updates. |
Sunday, February 18, 2024 19:57 UTC |
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Strong Solar Flare Erupts from Sun – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 1:53 a.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. A triptych of the Sun shows the bright burst of a solar flare erupting in different wavelengths of light. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X2.5 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strenth. |
February 16, 2024 |
| Solar storms schedulable: ESA Solar Orbiter on its way - NotebookCheck.net News | 02/14/2024 |
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SWPC Management and Program Analyst position now posted on USAJobs / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC is pleased to announce the posting of a GS-14 non-supervisory management and program analyst position on USA Jobs. This position is in the SWPC Office of the Director and will require the incumbent to perform several key duties including but not limited to: • Serve as the lead for the center’s Quality Management System and ensure its continual certification to the ISO 9001 standard. • Serve as a Contracting Officer Representative Level II (COR II) providing contract administration ensuring that contractors meet contract commitments. • Maintain the center’s property management, including ensuring that records and property audits are conducted and kept current. • Develop plans and schedules, estimate resource requirements, define milestones and deliverables, identify and manage risks, institute performance metrics, and evaluate project/program status. This position is open through midnight ET on February 09, 2024. The links to apply are as follows: Job Announcement # (DE): NWS-NCEP-24-12275380 DE (Open to all) https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/772720800 Job Announcement # (MAP): NWS-NCEP-24-12275381 ST (Current Feds) usajobs |
Monday, February 12, 2024 21:16 UTC |
| Watch the 1st X-class solar flare of 2024 erupt from the sun in explosive fashion / Live Science | February 12, 2024 |
| Sun Unleashes X3.3 Fury / NASA’s SDO Captures Powerful Solar Flare • SciTechDaily | FEBRUARY 11, 2024 |
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Sun Releases Strong Solar Flare – Solar Cycle 25 • NASA The Sun emitted a strong solar flare, peaking at 8:14 a.m. EST, on Feb. 9, 2024. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly, captured an image of the event. Full image of the Sun against a black background and colorized in a vibrant teal color, which showcases the dynamic beauty of the Sun and highlights areas of activity. The X3.3 flare appears as a bright white flash on the lower right side of the image. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. This flare is classified as an X3.3 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. |
February 9, 2024 |
| Colossal ‘Martian sunspot’ is so big it was seen from Mars. Now it’s facing Earth. / Live Science | February 9, 2024 |
| What Are X-Flares And Should We Be Worried About Them? / IFLScience | February 9, 2024 |
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Large Sunspot Regions Present on 5 Feb, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Large and complex sunspot groups, Regions 3576 and 3575, present on the solar disk. Both regions are much larger in extent than Earth and have also been the source of recent M-class flares (R1; Minor). Continue to visit our SWPC webpage for the latest information, updates, and forecasts. |
Wednesday, February 07, 2024 21:57 UTC |
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Long-duration R1 (Minor) Flare Occurred / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center A long-duration M4.2 flare was observed from Region 3575 in the SW quadrant. |
Wednesday, February 07, 2024 04:25 UTC |
| The Sun in gamma rays over a 14-year period captured on video - Earth.com | 02-07-2024 |
| Upcoming solar maximum may help solve the sun’s gamma-ray puzzle / Space | February 7, 2024 |
| India’s Chandrayaan-2 moon orbiter catalogs tons of mysterious solar flares / Space | February 6, 2024 |
| Solar maximum is coming, but we won’t know it happened until 7 months after it’s over / Space | February 5, 2024 |
| Ghostly plasma loops linger on the sun after massive solar explosion (photos) / Space | February 3, 2024 |
| Sun activity archive for February 2024 • EarthSky | February 1, 2024 |
| Photographer snaps extremely rare ‘aurora curls’ after magnetic wave rings Earth’s atmosphere ‘like a bell’ / Live Science | January 30, 2024 |
| Watch the sun spew out a giant eruption of plasma in incredible footage (video) / Space | January 28, 2024 |
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G1 Minor Storm levels likely on 25-27 Jan 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Additional CMEs erupted from the Sun on 23 Jan 2024. Analysis indicated that at least part of these CMEs could come close enough to Earth to raise geomagnetic storm conditions to the G1-Minor level on 27 Jan. This extends the Watch period from 25 Jan through 27 Jan. As with the previous post, higher storm levels are possible if more of a direct impact and/or stronger connection with Earth’s magnetic field lines occurs. Continue to monitor our web page for updates. |
Saturday, January 27, 2024 13:37 UTC |
| Brighter Than a Thousand Suns: Scientists Unravel Physics Behind Unusual Behavior of Stars’ Super Flares • SciTechDaily | JANUARY 27, 2024 |
| Does the sun move in the solar system? / Space | January 26, 2024 |
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G1 Minor Storm levels likely on 24-26 Jan 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Multiple solar flares and solar filament eruptions were observed from 21-23 Jan, 2024. The associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were analyzed and modeled. Results of these analysis show potential impacts at Earth as early as late in the day on 24 Jan, with more likely impacts on 25-26 Jan, 2024. As a result, forecasters currently anticipate G1-Minor geomagnetic storm levels over these three days, with higher storm levels possible if more of a direct impact and/or stronger connection with Earth’s magnetic field lines occurs. Analysis continues on the multitude of CMEs currently aimed at Earth. Adjustments to the forecast and any updates to our Watches, Warnings, and Alerts can be found on our web page at: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ |
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 21:47 UTC |
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What to Expect from the Peak of Solar Cycle 25 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Solar Cycle 25 progression continues and the peak of solar maximum is approaching. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) will likely become more probable and impactful space weather events may be possible in 2024. For the full story, see https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-to-expect-from-peak-of-solar-cycle-25 |
Friday, January 19, 2024 16:49 UTC |
| More auroras and radio blackouts today from ongoing solar storm - Earth.com | 01-24-2024 |
| Near-simultaneous solar flares explode from opposite sides of the sun in extremely rare event / Live Science | January 23, 2024 |
| Giant geomagnetic storm set to slam into Earth Monday, fueling auroras across northern US / Live Science | January 22, 2024 |
| Hydrogen recombination continuum as the radiative model for stellar optical flares / Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society / Oxford Academic | 17 January 2024 |
| 2024: The Year of the Sun’s Grand Show – New Study Predicts Solar Peak • SciTechDaily | JANUARY 14, 2024 |
| 2024’s biggest eclipse MISS happens January 11 • EarthSky | January 10, 2024 |
| What are X flares? Can they harm us? • EarthSky | January 7, 2024 |
| NASA Captures Sun’s Fury: Strongest Solar Flare Since 2017 • SciTechDaily | JANUARY 2, 2024 |
| Monstrous X5 solar flare launched on New Year’s Eve could bring auroras to Earth tonight / Live Science | January 2, 2024 |
| Coronal mass ejection from colossal New Year’s Eve solar flare will strike Earth Jan. 2 / Space | January 2, 2024 |
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2023
Solar Activity — 2023
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Solar Activity — 2021
Aurora FAQ & Other Stuff
Parker Solar Probe
Photographing Auroras
An aurora is a natural light display predominantly seen in the polar regions, caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun. These particles are carried towards the Earth by the solar wind and are mostly electrons and protons. When these charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they excite the atoms, causing them to light up. The auroras occurring around the north pole are known as Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, while those around the south pole are called Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. These displays can vary in color and complexity, from faint glows to rapidly shifting ribbons of light, depending on the type of gas particles involved and their altitude. This celestial phenomenon is not only a beautiful natural spectacle but also part of the larger space weather system that can affect satellite operations and power grids on Earth.
Astrophotography and Night Photography has links to external content of articles and videos.
Solar Dynamics Observatory News
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a NASA mission launched in February 2010 as part of the Living With a Star (LWS) program, which aims to understand the causes of solar variability and its impacts on Earth. The SDO is equipped with three advanced scientific instruments: the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), and the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE), which together provide comprehensive measurements of the sun’s interior, atmosphere, magnetic field, and energy output. Operating in a geosynchronous orbit around Earth, the SDO supplies high-resolution images of the Sun in multiple wavelengths, offering unprecedented insights into solar activities such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their effects on space weather. This continuous stream of data plays a crucial role in improving our understanding of the relationship between the Sun and the Earth’s environment.
Solar Observing Satellites
Research Papers
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Links to get ready access to new news articles on solar flares that may bring the Aurora Borealis down to South Carolina, and also, T Corona Borealis for when it goes KABLOOIE! ↩
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It used to be that tractors had a motor, transmission, power takeoff, and a battery. Now tractors have as many computers as cars. Anything that can knock out computers can disable a tractor as easily as a car. ↩
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This particular CME registered an earthquake on Ocean Networks Canada undersea instrumentation ↩
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EZIE Does It: NASA’s Next Step in Unraveling Earth’s Electrifying Space Connections • SciTechDaily ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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A video in this article gives a great explanation of the South Atlantic Anomaly, seen on NASA tracking tracking video video display displays as SAA. ↩
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The Value of CME Arrival Time Forecasts for Space Weather Mitigation - Owens - 2020 - Space Weather - Wiley Online Library. 10 June 2020. ↩
