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
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2024
Solar Activity — 2024
| Solar Event | Date |
|—|—|
| 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 |
| Sun Releases Strong Flare – Solar Cycle 25 </>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 |
| Auroras galore! Severe geomagnetic storm sparks stunning northern lights across US (photos) / Space | September 17, 2024 **|
| Aurora alert — Powerful geomagnetic storm could spark northern lights across US and Europe on Sept. 16 / Space | **September 16, 2024 |
| A Perfect Storm of Solar Activity Is About to Unleash an Amazing Show : ScienceAlert | 16 September 2024 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 13 Sep / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels are likely on 13 Sep (UTC day) due to CME influences from an eruption that occurred early on 10 Sep. Stay in the loop with https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for evolving forecasts and analysis of this event. | Wednesday, September 11, 2024 13:49 UTC |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 10 Sep / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
CME influences from a filament eruption that occurred early on 8 Sep will arrive by midday on 10 Sep (UTC) and will likely cause moderate geomagnetic storming effects. Any geomagnetic storming effects that linger into 11 Sep (UTC) will likely taper off into minor storming levels. Stay in the loop with https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for evolving forecasts and analysis of this event. | Sunday, September 08, 2024 07:59 UTC |
| 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 |
| Lucky alignment of 2 spacecraft reveals how solar wind gets a magnetic push / Space | September 5, 2024 |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels were observed at 28/0259 UTC (10:59 Eastern) due to persistent CME effects. | Thursday, August 29, 2024 14:05 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 13 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming is likely on 13 Aug as CME passage and influences, which began on 11 Aug, continue. | Wednesday, August 14, 2024 00:27 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 09-11 Aug / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
A G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch is in place for 09-11 August in response to CME event’s that left the sun on 07-08 Aug. See our latest discussion at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/forecast-discussion for additional details. | Monday, August 12, 2024 13:49 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Sunspot sketches from 1607 unlock secrets of solar activity - Earth.com | 07-31-2024 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An M9.3 flare occurred from the SE Limb of the disk (New Region 3723). This new region is believed to be the newest iteration of old Regions 3664 and 3697. This region produced 28 M-class flares and 6 X-class flares in its last rotation as Region 3697. Stay tuned for updates! | Monday, June 24, 2024 13:41 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) HF Radio Blackout Event on 06 June 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An M6.1 flare occurred from Region 3697 at 06/1506 UTC. No associated CME has been detected in coronagraph imagery. | Friday, June 07, 2024 14:44 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 Moderate Storm Levels Reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels were reached at 16/0834 UTC. Enhanced geomagnetic conditions continue, but are decreasing, as of 16/1230 UTC. Stay tuned to our website for updates. | Friday, May 17, 2024 13:48 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
| 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 |
| G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watches 05-06 May 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for 05 May and a G2 (Moderate) has been issued for 06 May (UTC Day) due to the potential arrival of a CME that left the Sun on 03 May. | Tuesday, May 07, 2024 00:52 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) HF Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Active Region 3654 produced an M9.5 flare at 30/2346 UTC. Additional R1-2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackout events from this particular region are likely over the next 24 hours. | Thursday, May 02, 2024 13:55 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout on 30 Mar / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout was produced at 30/2116 UTC (30/1716 EDT) from Region 3615 as it rotated around the Sun’s west limb. | Monday, April 01, 2024 13:04 UTC |
| Sun activity archive for April 2024 • EarthSky | April 1, 2024 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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* |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming conditions were observed beginning at approximately 23/2320 UTC in response to negative polarity CH HSS and transient-like effects in the solar wind. Visit https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast for updating auroral visibility forecasts. | Monday, March 25, 2024 17:38 UTC |
| 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 |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Warning Extended / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
CME effects appear to be weakening. However, solar wind speed is still elevated and could result in further geomagnetic storming. The G2 (Moderate) warning has been extended until 1500 UTC on 25 Mar. | Monday, March 25, 2024 17:36 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) HF Radio Blackout Event on 18 Mar, 2024 / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Newly numbered Region 3615, that just rotated onto the visible disk, produced an impulsive M6.7 flare that peaked at 18/1519 EDT. Forecasters are monitoring coronagraph imagery for any evidence of potential CMEs that may have been associated with this flare, and will provide updates as they become available. As always, continue to monitor our web page for updated watches, warnings, alerts, and forecasts as they become available. | Wednesday, March 20, 2024 08:22 UTC |
| Astronomers Discover Surprising Radio Signals Emanating From the Sun • SciTechDaily | MARCH 20, 2024 |
| 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 . 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| G2 Moderate Storm levels reached / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
Geomagnetic storm activity reached G2 (Moderate) storm levels at 03/2059 UTC (03/1559 EST). Influence from the CME that left the Sun on 28 Feb and arrived at Earth at approximately 03/0845 UTC (03/0345 EST) continues, and is expected to persist through 03/2359 UTC (03/1859 EST). As always, continue to monitor our web page for updated forecasts, warnings, and alerts. | Wednesday, March 06, 2024 19:54 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An M5.1 flare was observed from Region 3575 in the SW quadrant (S36W78).
Stay tuned for updates. | Wednesday, February 07, 2024 21:57 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| S2 (Moderate) Solar Radiation Storm Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An S2 (Moderate) solar radiation storm was observed from Region 3559.5 | Tuesday, January 30, 2024 19:24 UTC |
| R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An R2 (Moderate) radio blackout was observed at 29/04:38 UTC (28/23:38 Eastern) due to an M6.7 flare from Sunspot Region 3559. An S1 (Minor) solar radiation storm warning is in effect until 1800 UTC on 29 Jan. | Tuesday, January 30, 2024 14:29 UTC |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| R2 (Moderate) Radio Blackout Observed / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
An R2 (Moderate) radio blackout was observed with an impulsive M5.1 flare from AR 3559. AR 3561 was also flaring around this time, but the greatest contribution likely came from AR 3559. Both regions continue to have the potential to produce additional M-class and greater flares capable of moderate radio blackouts. | Wednesday, January 24, 2024 14:28 UTC |
| G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for 22-23 Jan / NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center
A CME was observed lifting off the Sun on 20 Jan and is expected to cause up to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming on 22-23 Jan (UTC days). A watch has been issued. | Wednesday, January 24, 2024 14:26 UTC |
| 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
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2022
Solar Activity — 2022
Expand / Collapse: Solar Activity — 2021
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. ↩
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The third video on this page sounds like EDM. ↩
