Sunspot Activity

[kar999]

Things are still active up there with a G2 storm still in progress. KP index has risen to 6 and Bz still -10 south. Probably not enough for me but you guys up north might be in with a bit of a shout.

From spacew.com

Updated: 03:35 UTC 10 July (11:35 pm EDT, 09 July)

Geomagnetic and Auroral Activity Update

A minor coronal mass ejection has impacted the Earth and is producing periods of enhanced geomagnetic and high-latitude auroral activity. Periods of minor auroral storming are possible tonight, which may provide middle latitudes with an opportunity to observe sporadic periods of activity. A middle latitude auroral activity watch is active. At least one other CME disturbance (as well as a coronal hole based disturance) are expected during the next 72 hours, which should keep activity at fairly active levels through 11 and 12 July.

Solar Activity Update

M-class flare activity remains likely during the next 24 to 72 hours. There is also a slight chance of a major flare.

[Mondy]

Hi kar

A mild geomagnetic storm is in progress following the weak impact of two coronal mass ejections this morning. Another coronal mass ejection is en route to Earth, due to arrive on July 11th. High latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras.

It'll be too weak i reckon to produce anything at this latitude though.

Really needed sunspot 786 to produce an X-class flare 2 days ago.

We live in hope..

ps, good to see this particular topic still getting posts. 'tis interesting

Edited July 10, 2005 by Mondy

[frogesque]

I couldn't see any activity last night despite a really good clear sky, so we'll just have to wait 'till the next CME.

[Mondy]

K-index is hovering between 6 and 7.

Possible heads up..skies are clear.

AURORA WATCH: A mild geomagnetic storm is in progress; high-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras. The ongoing storm is a result of two factors: (1) a gusty solar wind stream buffeting Earth's magnetic field and (2) a south-pointing IMF.

IMF... http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/imf.html

[Mondy]

Exactly! Clouds rolling in. Always worth a check if you're up in the middle of the night though

[kar999]

Sunspot 786 is shovelling out M class flares like there is no tomorrow.

Unfortunately it's probably too far out on the western limb of the Sun to cause Earth directed disturbances.

(Images credit spaceweather.com)

Edited July 13, 2005 by kar999

[kar999]

An X-Class flare at last but if only it could have been a week ago!

Solar activity has suddenly increased with a series of strong explosions from sunspot 786, the latest an X1-class flare at 1055 UT on July 14th. Because the sunspot is near the sun's western limb, none of the blasts was Earth directed. Nevertheless, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurled into space by these explosions could deliver glancing blows to Earth's magnetic field as early as tonight and continuing through the weekend, possibly sparking geomagnetic storms. Sky watchers in Canada and northern US states should be alert for auroras.

Edited July 14, 2005 by kar999

[Mondy]

Noticed this earlier as well Kar

As you say, a week too late. Could've been pretty interesting, as coupled with the recent CME, the skies might've been colourful at night.

[Mondy]

SOLAR OUTLOOK: The Earth-facing side of the sun may be blank, but the other side, the farside of the sun, is certainly not. Something "over there" exploded yesterday, July 21st at 0400 UT, hurling a bright coronal mass ejection over the sun's limb. Later in the day, another explosion threw more material over the limb.

Now been the 5th consecutive day without a single spot on the sun. 2 weeks ago almost 200 were noted! Therefore, expect no Northern Lights for a good while.

(just to keep you updated) <_<

Edited July 23, 2005 by Mondy

[kar999]

From Spacew.com (11:15 UTC 26 July)

Solar Activity Update

Old active Region 786 is due to return to the east limb during the next 72 hours. It has (apparently) been responsible for producing numerous strong coronal mass ejections as it transited the far side of the Sun during the last 2 weeks. It marked its departure from the west limb two weeks ago by producing a strong X-class solar flare. M-class and possible major flare activity will be possible as the region nears and crosses into view around the eastern solar limb. There are no clear indications that the region will remain volatile during the next week (during which time it will rotate into a position capable of affecting the Earth). Given that it has apparently remained volatile during the last two weeks, it is reasonable to think that it may have the longevity to remain volatile during the next week or two. A better assessment will be possible after it rotates into view. Solar observers may see periods of strong limb activity as this region rotates into view. Active prominences, loops and surges are all possible.

M3 Flare this morning at 0500 UT Jul27 but most likely not earth directed. Let's hope activity holds out for later in the week.

[kar999]

I've just made this animation from SOHO/LASCO images from 04:42 to 10:20 UTC which shows the effects of that M3 flare.

[Mondy]

Neat, mate.

Shame it wasn't Earth directed

[Verglas]

I've just made this animation from SOHO/LASCO images from 04:42 to 10:20 UTC which shows the effects of that M3 flare.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

but did it move for you ?

('twasn't animated for me at all)

[kar999]

Strange.... It worked for me but then in true Blue Peter fashion it was one I'd made earlier!

You need to click on the attacment first and it's file size is 380.35k so it wont animate till it's all downloaded. 'Play animations in web pages' may need to be set in 'internet options' in Internet Explorer.

Edited July 27, 2005 by kar999

[Mondy]

Old sunspot 786 should be in view within the next 24 hours. SOHO images show it as a monster spot http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/eit_284/512/

[kar999]

Let's hope its got some life left in it when it comes around and faces us Mondy.

Here's a nice animation of the prominences it's been churning out.

(credit : Spaceweather.com Pavol Rapavy of Rimavska Sobota, Slovakia)

[Mondy]

Earth bound please

[Guest Mrs murphymoo]

I had an aurora-watch amber alert email sent through earlier, so it seems like activity is pepping up

[kar999]

I got that too Mrs M. Currently mild G1 geomagnetic storm in progress.

[Mondy]

K index is hovering about 5 just now. Solar Wind is +600mph too. Still not enough for these parts though K-index really needs to be 7 upwards for a good chance.

As ever with an alert your hopes are dashed with low cloud

Kar's Aurora page

Edited July 28, 2005 by Mondy

[Kain]

According to Space Weather, Sunspot 792 has just revealed itself over the eastern limb.

Kain

[Mondy]

Lovely! http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/eit_284/512/

[Nabraxas]

Saw the Aurora on my flight home yesterday/today, wasn't anything brilliant but could just see the green glow of it above the horizon... either that or it was the reflection off the window. <_<

[Mondy]

Definetly would've been Ash. There was a minor aurora alert/storm yesterday..i guess being at altitude, you'd have seen it no problem. No such thing as light pollution at 35000ft (except from the 'craft itself)..Excellent <_<

[Mondy]

A powerful X-class solar flare erupted from sunspot 792 this morning at 0635 UT. We don't yet know if the blast hurled a coronal mass ejection toward Earth. from Spaceweather. X-1 was the measured flare.

Edited July 30, 2005 by Mondy