Sun

Sun activity archive for January 2025

Sun news for January 31 – February 1 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

Bam! Sun activity went high in the past day, with a near X flare, blasted out at 14:06 UTC on January 31. The flare measured M6.8 and was produced by sunspot region AR3978. A blob of sun-stuff (aka a coronal mass ejection or CME) was hurled into space via this event. The LASCO C2 imager on the SOHO spacecraft registered the CME at around 14:12 UTC on January 31. Also a type II radio sweep – a specific type of radio emission, often associated with CMEs – was produced during the event. It suggests a shock wave propagating through the solar corona.

24-hour highlights

Sun activity

  • Flare activity increased to high over the past day. Flare production also increased to 23 flares: two M (moderate) flares and 21 C (common) flares.
  • The biggest flare was an M6.8 at 14:06 UTC on January 31 from AR3978. It provoked an R (moderate)  radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Sunspots: There are six active regions on the sun’s Earth-facing side, with AR3976 and AR3977 being the most active.
  • Blasts from the sun: No coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have struck Earth in the past day.
  • Solar wind: Solar wind speeds reached 530.5 km/s (329.3 miles per second) in the past day. Earth started to receive the fast solar wind from that large coronal hole we have been observing.
  • Geomagnetic activity: The interplanetary magnetic field (a critical factor in creating auroral displays) increased to active levels earlier today. Kp =4 threshold reached at 2:30 UTC on February 1 caused primarily by the fast solar wind.

Sun-Earth highlights

  • Moderate to high solar activity is expected. Chances of M-class flares is (55%) while chances for X-class flares increased to (15%) on February 1.
  • Keep an eye on three active regions that might lead flaring activity. They are AR3976 with its beta-gamma-delta configuration and AR3977 and AR3978 with a beta-gamma configuration both.
  • Blasts from the sun? The M6.8 flare hurled a blob of solar stuff into space. Initial analysis indicate an Earth miss but modeling is ongoing to determine if there is any component heading our way at Earth.
  • Geomagnetic activity forecast: We are receiving the impact of incoming fast solar wind from a large coronal hole. This may bring conditions for auroral displays during the weekend. Activity is expected to be unsettled to active today (February 1) with Kp = 3 – 4 disturbances that might be extended through the weekend. Afterwards, the fast solar wind effects are expected to wane.
Sun news February 1, 2025. Sun activity increased over the past day. We saw 23 flares, with the largest – a M6.8 flare – bringing sun activity to high. Active region AR3978 produced this strong M flare at 14:06 on January 31. A corresponding R2 (moderate) radio blackout was observed, affecting an area off the east coast of Brazil. Image via SDO.

Sun news for January 30 – 31 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

The anticipated high-speed solar wind stream from a large coronal hole should arrive late today, January 31 into February 1. If so, it could bring enhanced geomagnetic activity, and possible G1 (minor) storm conditions, for those at high latitudes. This could mean auroral displays. Meanwhile, on the sun, activity is moderate thanks to an M1.0 flare from AR3976. This sunspot region continued to grow and has developed a weak delta magnetic signature, indicating the possibility for strong flaring. In the past day, the majority of flare activity has originated from a cluster of sunspot regions in the sun’s northeast.

24-hour highlights

Sun activity

  • Flare activity has been moderate over the past day, with 14 flares: one M flare and 13 C flares.
  • The biggest flare was an M1.0 at 6:10 UTC on January 31 from AR3976. It provoked an R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Indian Ocean, west of Australia.
  • Sunspots: There are seven active regions on the sun’s Earth-facing side, with AR3976 in the sun’s northeast being the most active. There are two newcomers on the sun’s east limb (edge). They are now labeled AR3980 and AR3981.

Sun-Earth highlights

  • Blasts from the sun: No coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have struck Earth in the past day.
  • Solar wind: Solar wind activity has been at background levels, with speeds of about 305 km/s (189.6 miles per second).
  • Geomagnetic activity: The interplanetary magnetic field (a critical factor in creating auroral displays) increased slightly in the past day. Overall, Earth’s geomagnetic activity remained quiet over the past day.
The NASA ENLIL computer model for two coronal mass ejections that may glance Earth on Feb. 1-2. Image via NASA.
M1.0 flare by AR3976 brings solar activity up to a moderate level. Images via NOAA
The sun, seen as one-quarter of a sphere next to a full sphere, one yellow and one blue.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Eliot Herman in Tucson, Arizona, captured these 2 filtered images of the sun in white light (left) and calcium-K (right) on January 30, 2025. Eliot wrote: “Sunspot AR3976-AR3978 is large and complex and in calcium shows activity that might yet ramp up to a significant flare.” Thank you, Eliot!
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jim Militello in Tucson, Arizona, captured this filtered image of the sun on January 30, 2025. Jim wrote: “This hydrogen-alpha image of the sun is showing active regions, filaments, and prominences.” Thank you, Jim!
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 30, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun featuring active regions AR3977, AR3976, and AR3978, along with some nice filaments.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 29 – 30 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

The large coronal hole we’ve been observing since Tuesday of this week is now facing us at Earth directly. So it has become “geoeffective,” capable of affecting Earth with its fast solar wind. That solar wind is expected to arrive late January 31 – early February 1. It could cause disturbances in Earth’s geomagnetic field from unsettled (Kp=3) to active levels (Kp=4) with a chance for G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm (Kp=5) levels. Meanwhile, overall, sun activity has been low over the past day, with only C flares. But a cluster of regions – AR3977, AR3976, and AR3978 – are emerging onto the visible solar disk and showing signs of magnetic complexity. Stay tuned.

24-hour highlights

Sun activity

  • Flare activity: Low with 11 C flares.
  • Biggest flare: A C6.5 at 22:46 UTC on January 29 from AR3961.
  • Sunspots: There are five active regions on the sun’s Earth-facing side, with Regions 3977, 3976, and 3978 in the northeast producing the most activity.

Sun-Earth highlights

  • Blasts from the sun: No coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have struck Earth in the past day.
  • Solar wind: Solar wind activity has been at background levels, with speeds of about 294 km/s (182.6 miles per second).
  • Geomagnetic activity: The interplanetary magnetic field (a critical factor in creating auroral displays) increased slightly in the past day. Overall, Earth’s geomagnetic activity remained quiet over the past day.
Sun news for January 29-30. Sun activity is low, with C class flares only. But we are seeing an active northeast, apparently originating on the sun’s far side. Is it coming our way? We welcome little Mercury – the sun’s innermost planet – into the field of view of SOHO’s LASCO C3 imager. Mercury is about to pass on the far side of the sun from Earth. It’ll be most directly behind the sun on February 9 and by late February will be back in our evening sky. Image via NASA.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 29, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun with some nice filaments and a few prominences.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 28 – 29 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

As expected, new regions in the east have brought a rise in solar activity. Solar activity has climbed to moderate after two M-class from newly arrived sunspot region 3977 in the northeast. Helped by another new northeastern region, AR3976, AR3977’s activity saw flare production increase from 12 flares in the previous 24-hour period to 18 flares in the past day. The sun is currently dominated by regions near the eastern and western limbs (edges), making detailed analysis challenging. But we can see that AR3977 seems to be showing good potential with a beta-gamma magnetic complexity, while AR3974 has developed a beta-delta configuration. Signs are good for more action! Meanwhile, the large coronal hole we reported yesterday is now facing us at Earth. The fast solar wind it produces may start reaching us by January 31, which might lead to disturbance in Earth’s geomagnetic field. Plus, a filament eruption from January 26 may produce a weak glancing blow to Earth early on January 29, while another blob of sun-stuff is expected on January 31. Quiet-to-unsettled geomagnetic conditions are expected, though confidence in the forecast remains low due to multiple overlapping events. Could we see auroras? Stay tuned.

24-hour highlights

Sun activity

  • Flare activity: Moderate with 18 flares: two Ms and 16 C-class flares.
  • Biggest flare: A M1.7 at 19:45 UTC on January 28 from AR3977, causing an R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the Easter Island.
  • Sunspots: Six current active regions. One is a newcomer: AR3978.

 CMEs, solar wind and geomagnetic activity

  • Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): Analysis of a CME shows a possible glancing blow on January 31.
  • Solar wind: Solar wind activity has been at background levels, with speeds of 319.5 km/s  (198.5 miles per second).
  • Geomagnetic activity: The interplanetary magnetic field was at 2.7 nT, and Earth’s geomagnetic activity remained quiet.

Energetic particles

  • Electron flux at moderate levels. Greater than 10 MeV proton flux at ground levels. Slight enhancements remain possible if larger flares occur.
Sun news for January 28-29, 2025. New region AR3977 in the northeast produced two M flares. The largest was an M1.7 flare. Images via NOAA.
The large coronal hole observed in extreme ultraviolet by the GOES SUVI instrument. Images via NOAA

Sun news for January 27 – 28 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

The sun is showing signs that action is on the way. Newcomer sunspot regions on the east limb (edge) may soon bring moderate (M-class) flares. And helioseismology – the study of vibrations running through the sun – shows more potentially powerful regions on and just over the eastern limb, soon to rotate into view. And on top of that, a large coronal hole has developed on the northeast quadrant. This may cause geomagnetic disturbances at Earth as the fast solar wind it produces starts coming our way. Plus, we are awaiting a glancing blow from a blob of sun-stuff (a coronal mass ejection or CME) late today or early January 29, which might bring some minor geomagnetic activity.

Sun news for January 26 – 27 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

Solar activity has climbed to moderate due to an isolated M flare, and more action could be on the way. A chance for more moderate (M-class) flares persists, due to an increase in activity from the northeast limb (edge). And helioseismology – the study of vibrations running through the sun – shows potentially powerful regions on and just over the eastern limb. So sun activity could soon pick up, depending on what the regions over the eastern limb bring. Meanwhile, the solar filament eruption we reported on yesterday might bring excitement, with a chance for a glancing blow from a blob of sun-stuff (a coronal mass ejection or CME) late on January 28 or early January 29. This might bring some minor geomagnetic activity.

Sun news: The sun, with two large, irregular dark areas on its face.
Sun news for January 27-28, 2025. A large coronal hole as viewed in extreme ultraviolet light by the GOES satellite. Images via NOAA.
Sun news for January 25-26, 2025. A fantastic filament curled around in the eastern hemisphere suddenly erupted into space early on January 26. The resulting CME is under analysis to determine if there is an Earth-directed component. Images via SDO, SOHO, and JHelioviewer.

📰 Sun news for January 25 – 26 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

A huge rope of solar plasma and magnetic field (a filament) that was curled in a circle on the eastern hemisphere suddenly erupted into space. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) is currently undergoing analysis but could have a component headed toward Earth. Otherwise, the sun has quieted down, with activity returning to low levels. However, the chance for G1 (minor) geomagnetic storms remains today, January 26, if a CME from January 22 finally arrives. Meanwhile, smaller flares have dominated solar activity, with the potential for isolated moderate (M-class) flares in the days ahead. A coronal hole emerging in the northwest quadrant may bring some fast solar wind influence, though its effects are expected to be limited. For now, we’ll keep an eye on the sun’s activity as it evolves.

🚨 24-hour highlights

☀️ Sun activity

  • Flare activity: Low, dominated by C-class flares.
  • Biggest flare: C6.5 flare from AR3961 at 00:22 UTC on January 25. This region continues to decay as it rotates toward the far side of the sun.
  • Sunspots: Eight active regions, with AR3961 and AR3971 being the most noteworthy.A new region, AR3973, emerged and was officially numbered, while AR3971 showed slight growth near the west limb. Other regions are small and relatively stable at this time.

🌊 CMEs, solar wind and geomagnetic activity

  • Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): A filament erupted in the eastern hemisphere and could have a component headed toward Earth. No other Earth-directed CMEs were observed in the available coronal imagery.
  • Solar wind: The solar wind has settled to background levels, with speeds averaging near 400 km/s.
  • Geomagnetic activity: The magnetic field was weak, and Earth’s geomagnetic activity remained quiet over the past day. The anticipated arrival of a CME from January 22 could enhance conditions today, January 26.

🌌 Energetic particles

No radiation storms were observed, and low-energy particle activity remained at background levels. Slight enhancements are possible if stronger flares occur in the coming days.

🔮 Sun-Earth forecast

☀️ Sun activity

Low to moderate solar activity is expected, with a continued chance for isolated M-class flares (45%) and a slight chance for X-class flares (10%).

🌊 CMEs, solar wind and geomagnetic activity

  • Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): A CME arrival is still possible early on January 26, which could bring G1 (Minor) storm conditions. The CME from a filament eruption is under analysis.
  • Solar wind: A coronal hole looks to be emerging in the northwest quadrant of the disc. However, any solar wind influence from this feature is likely to be limited.
  • Geomagnetic activity: Activity is expected to return to quiet conditions by January 27-28 if no significant CME enhancement occurs.

🌌 Energetic particles

There is a slight chance for minor radiation storms if significant flares occur, particularly from regions near the western limb.

Stay curious, and keep watching the sun—it always has more surprises! 🌈

The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with dark spots, each labeled.
This image shows sun activity – with the most active regions labeled – as of 0 UTC on January 27, 2025. Original image, without labels, via NASA SDO. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky. Today’s sun is posted by Armando Caussade. Why are east and west on the sun reversed?
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 25, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun with some nice filaments and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!

📰 Sun news for January 24 – 25 (11 UTC to 11 UTC)

A mix of activity is shaping up for this weekend! The sun produced a moderate M2.7 flare from sunspot region AR3961 on January 24, signaling a lively solar environment. Meanwhile, two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are on their way to Earth and could spark G1 (minor) or even G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storms this weekend, with a slight chance for brief G3 (strong) storm levels. Auroras might make an appearance at higher latitudes, so get your cameras ready!

🚨 24-hour highlights

☀️ Sun activity

Sun activity reached moderate levels, thanks to an M2.7 flare from sunspot region AR3961 in the sun’s southwest quadrant at 21:04 UTC on January 24. A nearly moderate C9.8 flare also occurred at 12:21 UTC from just beyond the southeastern limb, hinting at activity from a region about to rotate into view. AR3961 remains the largest and most active sunspot on the Earth-facing side of the sun, though its intermediate and trailing portions are decaying. Another region of interest is AR3971, which showed slight growth. The other regions are relatively stable or decaying. There are eight numbered regions and two small unnumbered regions. AR3961 and AR3971 are the most notable.

🌊 CMEs and geomagnetic activity

No new Earth-directed CMEs have been confirmed, though faint emissions from AR3961 are being monitored. A larger CME from the far side of the sun might indicate an active region rotating into view. The solar wind stayed slightly elevated at 450 km/s. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was weak, with the north-south component (Bz) varying only slightly. As a result, Earth’s geomagnetic field remained quiet to unsettled over the past 24 hours.

🌌 Energetic particles

No radiation storms were observed, and low-energy particle activity returned to background levels. There’s a slight chance for minor enhancements if stronger flares occur in the coming days.

🔮 Sun-Earth forecast

☀️ Sun activity

Sun activity is expected to remain at moderate levels, with a continued likelihood of isolated M-class (moderate) flares. A slight chance exists for an X-class (strong) flare during this period.

🌊 CMEs and geomagnetic activity

Two CMEs are expected to arrive. The first, from January 21, might graze Earth by early January 25. The second, from January 22, could produce a stronger impact by midday January 25, leading to G1-G2 geomagnetic storm conditions. Geomagnetic activity should quiet down by January 27 as CME effects wane.

🌌 Energetic particles

A slight chance exists for minor radiation storms if significant flares occur.
Keep your eyes on the auroras, and stay curious about the dynamic dance between the sun and Earth! 🌈

Sun news for January 24-25, 2025. Sun activity has picked up a bit. A near M flare erupted from over the eastern limb (edge). Material erupted in the blast and given the location the flare was larger than the C9.8 observed size. On the other edge of the sun, AR3961, which is about to rotate out of view, erupted into a M2.7 flare. Images via SDO, SOHO, and JHelioviewer.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 24, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun with some nice filaments and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 24: This sunspot region spit out jets all day

In the past 24 hours, sun activity dropped back to low, with fewer flares overall and C class flares only. But AR3961 – a region we’ve been watching – continued to be fun to watch. It was spitting out jets all day, over the past day. AR3961 is now located in the sun’s southwest quadrant. The sun’s rotation will soon carry it out of view. We’re now seeing all the numbered active regions on the Earth-facing solar disk in the north and southwest, leaving a wide empty space on the sun’s east (incoming) hemisphere. Can we expect more days with a reduced flaring activity? We’ll see. Meanwhile get ready with your cameras later on today and tomorrow, as a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm is expected, caused by a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection that left the sun on January 22. There will be chances of auroral displays at northern latitudes. Stay with us.
Last 24 hours: Sun actiivty was low over the past day with only C-class flares. Flare productivity slightly dropped down to 12 C flares during our observation period from 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today. The largest event was a C8 flare produced by active region AR3961 at 16:36 UTC on January 23. The sunspot region that produced more flares during this period was this same AR3961 sparking out three C flares.  Active region AR3961 kept its beta-gamma magnetic configuration and continues being the largest sunspot region in extent on the sun’s Earth-facing side. It’s also the region with the most complex magnetic configuration and hence the highest flare potential. The other big region – just slightly smaller in extent – is AR3959. It’s now located at the very edge of the sun’s northwest horizon; soon it will depart out of view. Meanwhile the rest of the active regions on the Earth-viewed side of our sun show simpler either alpha or beta magnetic configurations. Today’s sun bears eight numbered active regions as seen from Earth.

Animation of the sun in read and teal color showing bright spots that represent solar activity.
Sun news for January 22-23, 2025. Sun activity is moderate with the production of an M1.3 flare at 11:08 UTC on January 22. The event hurled plasma into space, and a portion of this blob of solar stuff is coming our way at Earth. It’s expected to arrive early on January 25, and should provoke conditions for auroral displays at high latitudes with G1 (minor) geomagnetic storming. AIA 304 and 131 angstrom. Image via SDO.

Animation of a red sun and a zoom in section showing bright spots representing solar activity.
January 23, 2025. Sun activity dropped down to a low level with only C class flares produced during the period. But active region AR3961 kept spitting out jets all day long. This sunspot region is prompt to depart on the southwest horizon. GOES-16 SUVI 304 angstrom. Image via NOAA.

Chart with a global map of Earth showing a red and green oval over the north pole.
January 24, 2025 A coronal mass ejection (CME) hurled by the sun on January 22 by an M1.3 flare is expected to arrive at Earth tomorrow January 25 bringing conditions for auroral displays with a G1(minor) geomagnetic storm. Images via NOAA.
Animation of the sun in read and teal color showing bright spots that represent solar activity.
Sun news for January 22-23, 2025. Sun activity is moderate with the production of an M1.3 flare at 11:08 UTC on January 22. The event hurled plasma into space, and a portion of this blob of solar stuff is coming our way at Earth. It’s expected to arrive early on January 25, and should provoke conditions for auroral displays at high latitudes with G1 (minor) geomagnetic storming. AIA 304 and 131 angstrom. Image via SDO.

Sun news for January 23: Big blast, sun-stuff heading to Earth

A large solar eruption occurred yesterday, with the sun unleashing an M1.4 solar flare at 11:08 UTC. The flare originated from an as-yet-unnumbered active region near AR3967. And it triggered a coronal mass ejection (CME), propelling a large mass of solar material into space. Preliminary analysis indicates that part of the CME, oriented towards the south-southwest, is expected to reach Earth. The predicted arrival time is early on January 25, potentially causing a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm. This could enhance the chances of auroral displays, particularly in northern latitudes. If conditions are favorable, keep an eye on the skies and capture a dazzling light show. And don’t forget to share your photos here!
Last 24 hours: Solar activity has been at moderate levels over the past 24 hours, driven by an isolated M-class flare. During our observation period between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 14 flares: one M-class flare and 13 C-class flares. The largest event was an M1.4 flare from an unnumbered active region in the southwest, occurring at 11:08 UTC on January 22. This flare caused an R1 (minor) radio blackout that briefly affected an area over the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of southern Africa. The most active region during this period was AR3961, responsible for four C-class flares. However, AR3961 has lost its delta magnetic configuration and now shows a simpler beta-gamma structure, which remains the most complex on the sun’s Earth-facing side. All other numbered active regions exhibit either alpha or beta magnetic configurations. Currently, there are seven sunspot regions visible on the Earth-facing solar disk. Notably, a new sunspot group, AR3972, has emerged in the southeast quadrant near the central meridian, forming rapidly from an initially quiet area.

Sun news for January 22: Fantastic action from the far side

The Earth-facing solar disk was calm over the last 24 hours, but boy is the far side having fun! A long jet-like eruption of solar material shot out from over the western limb this morning, followed by a huge prominence rolling out from the the south pole. Meanwhile, a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with yesterday’s M3.4 flare is headed toward Earth. A glancing blow is expected on January 24, which may excite Earth’s magnetic field to a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm. Get ready, aurora watchers!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is low, with only five C flares fired between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The largest event was a C7.2 flare from active region AR3961 at 6:34 UTC on January 21. The lead flare producer of the period is AR3961 with three C flares. AR3964 has lost its delta region, but AR3961 maintained kept its strong-flare-potential beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration. AR3961 remains the largest region on the Earth-facing solar disk. Active regions AR3962, AR3964, AR3967 and AR3969 have a beta-gamma configuration. The remaining regions on the solar disk are simpler beta regions. There are currently seven sunspot regions on the sun.

Sun news for January 21-22, 2025. The far side of the sun is busy today. A blast of material comes from the western (limb) followed by a huge filament/prominence eruption from over the southern limb (edge). Images via NOAA.

Sun news for January 21: Beautiful flare and filament explosion

A beautiful filament – a long rope of glowing solar material and magnetic fields – erupted at 10:39 UTC today, January 21. It was blasted with an M3.4 flare. Surprisingly, the eruptions came from a relatively small and simple region, AR3967. The blast sent a chunk of sun-stuff, a coronal mass ejection (CME), into space. Coronagraph imagery of the CME is not yet available, but a type II radio burst observed at 11:15 UTC indicates a fast CME with a speed of about 560 km/sec (1.25 million mph). Could it be heading to Earth? Stay tuned.

Last 24 hours: An M3.4 flare over the past 24 hours raised sun activity to moderate. During our observation period, between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun released one M flare and 16 C flares. The largest was an M3.4 by AR3967 at 10:39 UTC on January 21. This produced an R1 (minor) radio blackout over South Africa. The lead flare producer of the period was sunspot region AR3968 with eight C flares. AR3961 and AR3964 regained their strong-flare-potential beta-gamma-delta magnetic configurations. AR3961 has retained its size and is still the largest on the Earth-viewed solar disk. Active region AR3968 has a beta-delta complexity while AR3962 and AR3969 has a beta-gamma configuration. The remaining regions on the solar disk are simpler beta regions. There are currently 10 sunspot regions on the sun. There are two newcomers near the central meridian in the solar northeast: AR3970 and AR3971.

Animated view of the sun with a sinuous, glowing streamer of gases exploding from a bright area.
Sun news for January 20-21, 2025. An M3.4 flare and an erupting filament came from AR3967 around 10:27 UTC on January 21, 2025. Images via NOAA.

Sun news for January 20: Fiery filaments take the spotlight

Fiery filaments – long ropes of solar material and magnetic fields – provided the solar excitement over the past day. In fact, most of the activity in the past 24 hours has come in the form of filament eruptions. The most explosive of these came around 5:13 UTC this morning from an area to the southeast of sunspot region AR3961. Scientists haven’t yet confirmed whether this produced a burst of sun-stuff (a coronal mass ejection, or CME). Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity has dropped to low with 12 C flares fired between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. A filament southeast of AR3961 erupted at 5:12 UTC on January 20. Analysis is needed to determine if it produced an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). AR3961 has retained its size but lost its promising delta magnetic region. It and AR3964 are both beta-gamma regions, and the remaining regions are simpler beta regions. There are currently eight sunspot regions on the sun.

Sparkly streamers and loops of glowing gas flicker on the surface of the sun.
Sun news for January 19-20, 2025. A filament southeast of sunspot region AR3961 erupted around 5:12 UTC this morning. It is not yet clear if this produced a coronal mass ejection (CME). Images via SDO and JHelioviewer.

For sun activity prior to this date, see our January archive.

Sun news for January 19: Relative calm returns, with just one M

The sun has calmed, with activity dropping to moderate levels over the past day. That’s happening as the main driver of high activity in the previous day – sunspot region AR3964 – starts to rotate out of sight. This region has undergone a natural decay. And its position is now near the edge (limb) of the sun, where we can’t see it as well. Plus its magnetic complexity (showing its flare-producing potential) has declined to a beta-gamma configuration. So … sigh. Meanwhile, another region – AR3961, sitting near the center of the solar disk – has stepped up as the largest and most complex region on the Earth-facing sun. Will it deliver? Stay tuned to find out!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity was moderate over the past 24 hours, with 1 M (moderate) flare and 19 C (common) flares between 11:00 UTC yesterday and 11:00 UTC today. Although it decreased in size and complexity, the most active region was still AR3964. It produced 13 flares, including the largest of the day — an M2.4 flare — at 03:32 UTC on January 19. This flare caused an R1 (minor) radio blackout, primarily affecting areas over Australia. Meanwhile, another sunspot region – AR3961 – has grown both in size and complexity. It’s now classified as a beta-gamma-delta region, indicating a strong potential for flaring. The remaining active regions on the sun have either alpha or beta magnetic configurations (ho hum). Currently, there are six numbered active regions on the sun.

The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with dark spots, each labeled.
This image shows sun activity – with the most active regions labeled – as of 0 UTC on January 20, 2025. Original image, without labels, via NASA SDO. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky. Today’s sun is posted by Armando Caussade. Why are east and west on the sun reversed?

Sun news for January 18: Bam! Eight M flares from region AR3964

Bam! Over the past day, a single sunspot region, AR3964, unleashed an impressive series of eight M (moderate) flares. Among them, the strongest was an M7.5 event that approached the threshold of an X-class event. These M flares elevated solar activity to high for the past day. This region, AR3964, emerged suddenly in the northwest solar quadrant, first appearing on January 16. Since then, it has rapidly grown into one of the largest active regions on the Earth-facing sun. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to track this dynamic region!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity was high over the past day, with eight M flares. Flaring production increased to 26 flares during our observation period between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, eight M and 18 C flares. The lead flare producer was AR3964 with 19 flares, all eight M flares and 11 C flares. The largest flare of the day – an M7.5 – occurred at 13:35 UTC on January 17 and caused an R2 (moderate) radio blackout, impacting areas over the South Atlantic Ocean. Its producer, AR3964, is one of the largest sunspot areas on the sun’s Earth-facing side now. It has a complex beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration. Meanwhile, another region, AR3961, also has a beta-gamma-delta configuration, but its flare activity remains subdued. AR3959 lost its delta complexity now with a beta-gamma magnetic configuration along with AR3962 and AR3967. This is the list of the M flares of the period:

  • M1.5 at 11:37 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Southwestern Africa.
  • M7.5 at 13:35 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over South Atlantic Ocean. The largest.
  • M2.1 at 18:50 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Easter Island in the South Pacific Ocean.
  • M1.8 at 19:49 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South Pacific Ocean.
  • M1.1 at 20:01 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South Pacific Ocean.
  • M1.0 at 22:05 UTC on January 17 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South Pacific Ocean east of French Polynesia.
  • M1.7 at 0:58 UTC on January 18 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Coral Sea off the east coast of Australia.
  • M1.1 at 3:07 UTC on January 18 from AR3964. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Australia.

The remaining regions have beta complexity. The sun has seven numbered active regions, including newcomer AR3967.

The surface of the sun with arc-shaped glowing lines and bright explosions.
Sun new for January 17-18, 2025. AR3964 exploded with a flurry of M flares including an M7.5 event. This event was captured in SDO 171 and 131 angstrom wavelengths. Images via NASA and JHelioviewer.
The rotating sun, with bright explosions traveling across it.
January 18, 2025. Active region AR3964 kept flaring all day long, 19 flares in total. Eight of them were M flares. The largest, an M7.5 flare, blasted at 13:35 UTC on January 17. AIA 131 angstrom. Image via SDO.

Sun news for January 17: Three M flares! Activity on the rise

After days of low activity, the sun has kicked things up a notch with three M flares! The M flares came from regions AR3964 and AR3961. The events are under analysis to determine if they sent any blobs of sun-stuff – coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – toward Earth. Meanwhile, a fiery eastern limb (edge) suggests that more action could possibly be on the way. Will sun activity keep rising? Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: After several days of only C flares, activity has risen to moderate after three M flares were fired in the past 24 hours. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 18 flares: three Ms and 15 C flares. The largest flare was an M2.1 from sunspot region AR3964 at 9:19 UTC on January 17. An R1 (minor) radio blackout associated with the flare affected an area over Madagascar. The second largest was an M1.3 from active region AR3964 at 2:11 UTC on January 17. A corresponding R1 (minor) radio blackout affected an area over the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia. It was followed by an M1.1 at 3:20 UTC on January 17 from AR3961, causing an R1 (minor) radio blackout over Australia. The lead flare producer of the period was sunspot region AR3964 with 10 flares: two Ms and eight C flares. AR3959 is the most magnetically complex region, with a promising beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration. AR3961 has a beta-gamma configuration, while AR3962 is showing a simpler beta complexity. The rest of the active regions on the Earth-facing solar disk are either alpha or beta regions. The sun has six numbered active regions, including two newcomers: AR3964 and AR3965.

Sun news for January 16-17, 2025. Activity has kicked up a notch after days of low activity. A pair of sunspot regions produced a total of 3 M flares. Image via SDO.
Fiery action on the eastern and western limbs (edges) observed by SDO. Image via NASA.

Sun news for January 16: 24 flares in past day!

After a week of low flare production, when the sun produced as few as six flares in a day, the sun blasted out 24 flares over the past day! The active regions we’ve been anticipating over the sun’s east (incoming) horizon are here, and flare activity has risen accordingly. Active regionfast AR3961 in the southeast quadrant, which recently came into view, is one of the big flare producers of the past day, with 11 C flares. And that’s not all. We see more action is coming into view from the east. The flares are still of the common C-class variety now. But larger flares might occur at any minute. The chances for M flares increased from 35% yesterday up to 45% today. They increased X flare chances from 5% yesterday to 15% today. Stay with us for more.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity is still low over the past day, with only C-class flares. But 24 of them happened between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today! The largest flare was a C4.4 from an unnumbered sunspot region that emerged in the sun’s northwest quadrant at 7:26 UTC on January 16.  The lead flare producer of the period was AR3961 with 11 C flares. AR3959 shows the most premise today. It is the largest active region in extent and also the most magnetically complex with a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration.  AR3961, AR3962 and AR3963 have a beta-gamma complexity and AR3956 shows a beta magnetic configuration. The sun currently has five numbered active regions. There is a newcomer on the north hemisphere, almost over the central meridian, AR3963.

Blue sky with a fuzzy white comet at center. Annotated with arrow pointing to comet.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Check this out! In the past couple of updates, we showed spacecraft images of a super-bright comet rounding the sun. And that comet has survived its sun passage and is being seen already in Earth’s sky! Our friend Steven Bellavia caught the Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) in daylight, on January 15, 2025, from Smithfield, Virgina. Whoa! Go Steve! Read about Comet G3.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 15, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun featuring active regions AR3959 and AR3961 along with some nice prominences.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 15: Bright comet makes it round our star

The sun is currently in an activity lull, but our sun-observing spacecraft have still been watching something amazing. The SOHO spacecraft captured the above view of bright comet C/2024 ATLAS G3 – tipped to be the brightest comet of 2025 – as it made its closest approach to our star over the past few days and emerged on the other side. Wow! And the real spectacle is about to unfold on Earth. Having survived its encounter with the sun, the comet is now just starting to appear in the evening sky. It’ll be easiest to spot for those toward the Southern Hemisphere. Look for it in the east shortly after sunset. Have you seen it? Did you capture a photo? Share it with us! Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this celestial wonder.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity remained low over the past day. The sun produced twelve C class flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The largest flare was a C6.2 sparked by sunspot region AR3962. It was blasted out at 17:27 UTC on January 15. Vigorous jets and prominences have been adorning the northwest as AR3947 departs from view. AR3961 and AR3962 are the joint-leading flare producers. Each produced four C flares. AR3959 and AR3961 are showing some promise, developing beta-gamma magnetic configuration. The rest of the active regions have either alpha or beta magnetic configurations. The sun currently has five numbered active regions. There is a newcomer on the northeast limb (edge), now labeled AR3962.

January 15, 2025. The SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 imager observed Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) going around the sun. The comet can be seen now in the west after sunset. Image via NOAA.
January 15, 2025. Sun activity is going through a lull, but we still see a fiery east with active regions coming into view. These regions should fully appear in the coming days. AIA 304 angstrom. Image via SDO.

Sun news for January 14: Action on the way? Plus, see the comet!

Sun activity remains low, but that could be about to change. Action appears to be on the way from the southeast, where energetic activity has been observed over the past day. We can tell a fiery active region is just about to come into view in that area, as we can see it launching plasma into space over the horizon. There’s also activity in the northeast, where sunspot region AR3959 has rotated into view to become the largest region on the solar disk. And the promising activity isn’t just on the sun itself today. The SOHO spacecraft’s view of our star currently features a spectacular view of Comet C/2024 ATLAS G3. This comet, tipped to be the brightest of 2025, reached perihelion – its closest point to the sun – yesterday. Some comets disintegrate when they reach this point. But, although it’s too soon to be sure, it seems this comet has made it through intact. If it stays that way, it should be a sight to behold when it starts to emerge in Southern Hemisphere skies after sunset later this week. We’ll keep an eye on it!
Last 24 hours:  The sun stayed at low levels of activity over  the past day. However, flaring productivity increased; the sun produced thirteen C class flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, compared to the eight Cs produced the previous day. The largest event was a C3.5 blasted out by active region AR3959 in the solar northeast. We saw vigorous jets and prominences on the northwest, where once-prolific AR3947 is departing from view. It departs as the lead flare producer of the past day, firing five C flares. Farewell, AR3947! All the active regions we see from Earth on the sun now show simple alpha or beta magnetic configurations. But, although it is low in complexity, AR3959 looks pretty large. There is a large new coronal hole that formed in the southeast quadrant, and is now moving into a geoeffective position. The sun has seven numbered active regions on the side we can see from Earth.

Animation of the sun with little sparkly spots and a few minor plumes of glowing gas coming from it.
January 14, 2025. Sun activity is low, with only C flares produced over the past day. But it seems fiery activity is coming our way from the east, as we say farewell to AR3947 in the northwest. AIA 304 angstrom. Image via SDO.
A big, bright comet with a wide tail swooping across an image of the sun's environs.
January 14, 2025. The SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 instrument captured this view of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) turning around our star between Saturday and this morning. It is anticipated to be the brightest comet of 2025. Imagery via NOAA.
The face of the sun, with a big, irregular dark area labeled coronal hole.
January 14, 2025. A large coronal hole formed in the southeast quadrant and is moving into a geoeffective position. GOES-16 SUVI 304 angstrom. Image via NOAA.

Sun news for January 13: Where’s the sun? SDO eclipse season is here

What’s blocking the sun in these pictures from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)? It’s the Earth! SDO is now in its 30th eclipse season, which kicked off on January 10. During these periods, our planet briefly gets between SDO and the sun, blocking its view. Eclipse seasons occur twice a year for SDO, and last about 2–3 weeks each. Because SDO is in a special geosynchronous orbit – meaning the satellite travels around Earth at exactly the same rate that Earth rotates – these eclipses start small, lasting just 20 minutes, then grow longer day by day, reaching over an hour at their peak before shrinking again. These eclipse seasons typically line up with the solar equinoxes, but SDO’s orbit has shifted these periods slightly over the years. Eclipse season #30 will wrap up on February 5, 2025. Until then, SDO is catching some cosmic shade!
Last 24 hours:  Solar activity remained low over the past the past day. The sun produced eight C class flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The largest event was a  C8.1 at 2:15 UTC on January 13. It was produced by active region AR3947. The lead flare producer of the period was newcomer AR3959. AR3947 is nearing the western limb (edge). The sun has seven numbered active regions on the side we can see from Earth. The newcomer regions are AR3957, AR3958, and AR3959.

Sun news for January 12-13, 2025. The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has entered its 30th eclipse season, the 1st of 2 in 2025. These are periods when Earth gets in the way of the sun. Image via JHelioviewer and NASA.

We hear from many people who say that flares on the sun – and their accompanying coronal mass ejections or CMEs, which can cause auroras when they strike Earth – also affect people’s health. People speak of headaches, mood swings, and sleep disturbances at times of high solar activity. Is it true? What does the science say? EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd and heliophysicist C. Alex Young had a fascinating discussion about this subject on Friday. Click in to watch the video.
Dark circle of blocked-out sun in center with light streaming from it and a bright white comet in view.
Comet ATLAS photobombed the sun in this image from the SOHO spacecraft taken early this morning, January 13, 2025. Image via NOAA.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Jim Militello in Tucson, Arizona, captured this filtered image of the sun on January 12, 2025. Jim wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image showing active regions, filaments, and prominences.” Thank you, Jim!

For sun activity prior to this date, see our January archive.

January 12, 2025. LASCO C3 imagery equipment aboard the SOHO spacecraft captured the entrance of comet C/2024 G3 – possibly the brightest comet of 2025 – as it came in the field of view of the cameras aboard. Beautiful images. Image via NOAA.

Sun news for January 12: Check out this comet near the sun!

Today’s top story: Thanks to imagery from the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 imager, we just got a cool glimpse of comet Atlas C/2024 G3. It will reach perihelion – its closest point to the sun – tomorrow, January 13. And it might become the brightest comet of 2025! This comet appeared even brighter in near-sun images than comet C/2023 A3 (Tsunchinshan-ATLAS), the brightest comet in 27 years, visible to many in the sky a few months ago. Maybe tomorrow we’ll see comet G3 completely in the field of view of LASCO C3. Will comet G3 survive its passage near the sun? We don’t know! We need to wait. But we will have a ringside seat to witness the event with more images from LASCO C3. Keep tuned as we will bring you more.
Last 24 hours:  Solar activity dropped to low over the past the past day. The sun produced only faint C class flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. We saw four C flares in total, fewer than in the previous days. The largest event was a  C1.8 blasted out at 20:48 UTC on January 11. It was produced by active region AR3945 in the southwest. Lead flare producer of the period is a newcomer in the southeast – as yet unnumbered – that blasted out two C flares. AR3947 is about to depart on the west limb (edge), carried out by the sun’s rotation. Also, it remains the largest sunspot region in extent on the sun’s visible face. Currently the sun bears only four numbered active region on the side we can see from Earth.


We hear from many people who say that flares on the sun – and their accompanying coronal mass ejections or CMEs, whose strikes to Earth create conditions for auroras – also affect people’s health. People speak of headaches, mood swing, and sleep disturbances at times of high solar activity. Is it true? What does the science say? EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd and heliophysicist C. Alex Young had a fascinating discussion about this subject on Friday. Click in to watch the video.

The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with dark spots, each labeled.
This image shows sun activity – with the most active regions labeled – as of 2 UTC on January 12, 2025. Original image, without labels, via NASA SDO. Courtesy of NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams, with labeling by EarthSky. Today’s sun is posted by Armando Caussade. Why are east and west on the sun reversed?

Sun news for January 11: Woo hoo! SDO is back!

Welcome back Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)! After a data interruption lasting more than a month, the SDO team announced a re-start of data flow yesterday. The SDO outage was due to a broken pipe in a cooling system at the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC) at Stanford University in California. The JSOC is responsible for processing and distributing SDO data. The spacecraft (in geosynchronous orbit, high above Earth) was fine. But the data flow was interrupted. Thank you to the administration, engineers and other specialists and others who did the repair! Congratulations! As of yesterday, SDO images were available every 15 minutes. That’s not as frequent as it will be when further repairs bring back full capability. But all SDO data from recent weeks has been saved and will be available once the full capabilities are restored. Woo hoo! We’ve missed you, SDO images!
Last 24 hours:  Sun activity has been moderate over the past 24 hours, with an isolated  M flare. The sun produced six flares in total, the M plus five Cs, between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. In terms of numbers, lead flare producer of the last day was a newcomer in the sun’s northeast, an as-yet-unnumbered region with three C flares. Meanwhile, the M1.1 flare came from sunspot region AR3947 in the sun’s northwest at 22:46 UTC on January 10. An R1 (minor) radio blackout was registered, in this case affecting an area over the French Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. AR3947 also remains the most complex of the sunspot regions on the sun’s visible face, with a gamma-beta magnetic configuration. And the rest of the regions on the Earth-facing sun have stable or decaying alpha and beta magnetic configurations. We see six numbered sunspot regions today, but soon newcomers will show on the sun’s east (incoming) limb.

January 11, 2025 Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is back! After a failure that kept its operations down, SDO is back after more than a month of repair work on a pipe of the cooling system. Welcome back SDO!! Image via SDO.

Sun news for January 10: Sun news: Action on the way from the east?

Sun activity continues to drop, finally reaching low over the past day. But we continue to observe promising jets and prominences firing out solar plasma over the sun’s eastern limb (edge). Is there something interesting coming over the horizon? We’ll soon find out, as that area rotates into view over the next few days. Plus, helioseismology – the study of the sun through vibrations – is giving us a preview, indicating 2-3 sunspot regions on the sun’s far side. Stay tuned!
Last 24 hours: Solar activity has dropped to low. The size of individual solar flares, the number of flares, and the number and size of the sunspots on the Earth-facing disk have all lowered over the past day. Nine C flares were produced between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The largest event was a C5.0 flare from active region AR3947 at 21:40 UTC on January 9. The lead flare producer was AR3947 with six C flares. The sunspot regions’ magnetic configurations are similar to yesterday: AR3947 remains the most complex, with a gamma-beta magnetic configuration, and the remaining regions have stable or decaying alpha and beta magnetic configurations. The sun’s Earth-facing side has six numbered sunspot regions, far fewer than earlier this week.

Sun news for January 9-10. Promising activity continues on the eastern limb (edge), as seen in this imagery from the GOES-SUVI instrument using the 304 angstroms wavelength. Images via NOAA
Sun news for January 9-10. Activity continues to drop, reaching low levels. AR3947 remains the most active of the regions despite losing its delta region. Images via NOAA
Sun activity for January 9-10, 2025. A zoom into the area around AR3947, the main flare producer of the past 24 hours. Image via NOAA

Sun news for January 9: Sunspot region AR3947 decays, but action incoming?

The X flare-producing sunspot region AR3947 finally seems to have lost its promise. Its magnetic complexity reduced to beta-gamma over the past day, meaning it has less potential for major flares. But even though leading region AR3947 has lost its “flair” – pun intended – activity on the eastern limb suggests promising replacements could be rotating into view soon. And we can’t put it past the sun to surprise us at any time. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: The sun continued its moderate activity with an isolated M-class flare. Flare productivity is low, with only six flares produced during our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today): an M and five C flares. The largest event was an M1.1 produced by active region AR3947 at 0:26 UTC on January 9. The flare caused an R1 (minor) radio blackout that affected an area over the South Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of New Zealand. The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3947 with three flares: the M and two C flares. Sunspot region AR3947 lost its delta and now shows a gamma-beta magnetic configuration. The remaining regions have alpha and beta magnetic configurations that are either stable or in decay. The sun’s Earth-facing side currently has eight numbered sunspot regions, fewer and smaller than we saw earlier in the week.

Sun news for January 8-9, 2025. The sun has entered a lull, but some activity on the eastern limb and sunspots on the far side are promising. Stay tuned. Images of the sun in 304 angstroms from NOAA.
Sun news for January 8-9, 2025. The sun has calmed down, but it activity remains moderate thanks to an M1.1 flare from AR3947. Images via NOAA.
The sun, seen as a large white sphere with hundreds of small dark spots.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Patricio León in Santiago, Chile, made this composite using filtered images of the sun on January 8, 2025. Patricio wrote: “The above image is a stack of 259 individual shots taken in the same number of days during 2024 to depict the sun during cycle 25 maximum. The northern belt gathers the biggest spots of the year which appeared in February, August, October and November. The southern belt congregates the main number of sunspots as it was consistently favored during the year.” Thank you, Patricio!

Sun news for January 8: M flare keeps up moderate activity

After much recent activity, our fiery friend AR3947 has settled in as a calmer region. This is in spite of its high beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, which indicates the potential for big M and X flares. Sun activity remains moderate, but not because of AR3947. The single M flare fired in the past day came from AR3939 after it passed over the western limb (edge). While AR3947 fired off no M flares in the past day, we shouldn’t count it out. It remains the largest and most complex region on the solar disk, and is sitting very close to the disk’s center. In other words, it’s in the perfect location to send some sun-stuff our way. Bring it on, AR3947!
Last 24 hours: An isolated M-class flare kept solar activity at moderate. In addition, six C flares were produced by our sun between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The largest event was an M1.1 produced by active region AR3939 at 23:05 UTC on January 7 after this region rotated over the southwest limb. Since its light was blocked by the solar horizon, the flare will in reality have been larger than M1.1. The flare caused an R1 (minor) radio blackout that affected an area over the South Pacific Ocean. The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3947 with three C flares. Sunspot region AR3947 retained its gamma-beta-delta magnetic configuration. The remaining regions have alpha and beta magnetic configurations that are either stable or in decay. The sun’s Earth-facing side has eight numbered sunspot regions.

Sun news for January 7: After X flares, sun takes a break

After several days of heightened solar action, sun activity is now only moderate, with a drop in flare production over the past day. This is partly thanks to the calming of sunspot region AR3947, which had blasted several X flares in recent days. But this region could still produce some intense activity. It continues to show a beta-gamma-delta magnetic configuration, which indicates the potential for large M flares and X flares. It’s also now approaching the center of the solar disk, increasing the likelihood that any eruptions it produces will be directed toward Earth. We’ll be watching closely to see what AR3947 has in store.
Last 24 hours: The sun’s activity is moderate, with two M-class flares observed over the past day. Flare productivity has decreased compared to the past day’s 19 flares. From 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today, a total of eight flares were recorded: two Ms and six Cs. The largest event was an M4.8 produced at 16:24 UTC on January 6 by AR3947. An R1 (minor) radio blackout affected an area over Chile. The second M flare of the period, an M1.0, erupted at 16:38 UTC on January 6, once again from active region AR3947. This region was the leading flare producer of the past day, generating six flares in total: four Cs and the two Ms. Sunspot region AR3947 continues to exhibit a dynamic gamma-beta-delta magnetic configuration, indicating its flare-producing potential. In contrast, the remaining regions display simpler alpha and beta magnetic configurations. Currently, the sun’s Earth-facing side hosts eight numbered sunspot regions.

Sun news for January 7-8, 2025. Some impressive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed by the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C2 coronagraph. Most, if not all, will have been fired from the far side. Images via NASA.
Sun news for January 6-7, 2025. Ferocious sunspot region AR3947 has calmed, but retains the potential for significant flaring. Images via GOES/ NOAA.

Sun news for January 6: X flares and auroras incoming?

Sunspot region AR3947 has taken center stage over recent days, firing off several X flares, and it remains highly active. It produced 10 of the 19 flares observed over the past day, including the three M flares. This, combined with its recent production of X flares and its beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, suggests it could soon produce more M and X flares. Meanwhile, a coronal mass ejection (CME) from January 4 is expected to give Earth a glancing blow today. This, combined with fast solar wind coming from a coronal hole, could cause G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming. That means another chance of auroras! Get your cameras ready, and stay tuned.
Last 24 hours:  Solar activity is moderate, with three M flares and 16 C flares produced between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The list of M flares is:

  • M2.4 at 15:37 UTC on January 5 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over South America.
  • M3.1 at 1:52 UTC on January 6 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Eastern Australia.
  • M1.4 at 3:50 UTC on January 6 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Western Australia.

The lead flare producer of the past day was sunspot region AR3947 with 13 flares. It produced the three Ms along with 10 C flares. Sunspot active region AR3947 has retained a gamma-beta-delta configuration. The remaining regions have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has 11 numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for January 5-6, 2025. Sunspot region AR3947 has been in the limelight for several days, and its activity has continued over the past 24 hours. It produced most of the 19 flares observed in the past day, including 3 M flares. This X flare-producing region has a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, meaning there’s a good chance it could produce more X flares. Images via JHelioviewer and GOES-SUVI (NOAA).
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 5, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun showing some nice active regions, filaments, and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!
The sun, seen as a large blue sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Eliot Herman in Tucson, Arizona, captured this calcium-K filtered image of the sun on January 5, 2025. Thank you, Eliot!

Sun news for January 5: One more X flare in the past 24 hours

Another X flare, X1.85 flare, from the sun! 3rd one since yesterday from fiesty solar flare region AR3947. Region AR3949 produced a long duration C9.1 flare around 12:34 UTC on January 4. The event ejected a blob of sun stuff that was determined to largely miss Earth but could glance our planet on January 8. The region threw out another blob associated with a long duration C7 flares. The CME is under analysis. Then around 20:35 UTC solar energetic protons bombarded Earth elevating levels to S1 particle storm levels. The high sun activity continues maybe with more to come. Meanwhile, at Earth geomagnetic activity had two 3-hour periods of G1 geomagnetic storms due to increased solar wind from a coronal hole. Some exciting activity may be yet to come. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours:  Solar activity is high, with an X (strong) and five M flares from 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today. The sun produced 16 flares, one X, five M and ten C (common) flares. The list of the X and M flares is:

  • X1.85 flare at 12.48 UTC on January 3 from AR3947. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the South Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of southern Africa.
  • M1.8 at 22:12 UTC on January 4 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
  • M2.1 at 23:36 UTC on January 4 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
  • M1.1 at 00:06 UTC on January 5 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
  • M4.2 at 02:39 UTC on January 5 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Australia.
  • M2.1 at 07:18 UTC on January 5 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Indian Ocean.
  • M4.1 at 09:36 UTC on January 5 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over west Africa.

The lead flare producer of the past day was sunspot region AR3947, with ten flares. It produced an X flares, five M and three C flares. Sunspot active region AR3947 has retained a gmma-beta-delta configuration. AR3943 and AR3945 have beta-gamma magnetic complexities. The remaining have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has 11 numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. There are two newcomers on the Earth-facing solar disk, AR3950 and AR3951.

Sun news for January 4-5, 2025. AR3947 continued its enhanced activity, creating its 3rd X-class solar flare. The regions complexity and history of flares mean that its probably of more flaring are high.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 4, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun showing some nice filaments and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 4: Two X flares!

Double BAM! Two X flares came from sunspot region AR3947 over the past 24 hours. The first, an X1.2, came early on January 3. The next, an X1.1, came shortly before the end of the day yesterday (as measured in UTC). The first flare didn’t have an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME), no great blob of solar materials and magnetic fields headed our way. And the second flare is still under analysis. The two X flares came after a short lull in sun activity earlier this week. But, wait, there’s more! Here on Earth, we were expecting the arrival of a CME from January 1. And it reached Earth right on time, causing G1 (minor) and G2 (major) geomagnetic storms around 4 UTC, January 3. At this writing (11 UTC on January 4), G1 (minor) storming is still underway. High latitude aurora observers, keep watching! Auroral displays may continue over the coming day.
Last 24 hours:  Solar activity is high, with two X (strong) flares over the past 24 hours. Plus we had five M (moderate) flares from 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today. The sun produced 16 flares in all during this period: two X, five M and nine C (common) flares. The list of the X and M flares is:

  • X1.2 flare at 11.40 UTC on January 3 from AR3947. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of southern Africa.
  • M2.3 at 22:12 UTC on January 3 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.
  • X1.1 at 22:41 UTC on January 3 from AR3947. R3 (strong) radio blackout west of French Polynesia.
  • M1.9 at 23:24 UTC on jannuary 3 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout east of the Fiji Islands.
  • M5.8 at 23:56 UTC on January 3 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Fiji Islands.
  • M1.5 at 0:36 UTC on January 4 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the South Pacific Ocean north of New Zealand.
  • M7.6 at 5:18 UTC on January 4 from AR3947. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Australia.

The lead flare producer of the past day was sunspot region AR3947, with 14 out of the 15 flares. It produced the two X flares, the five M and seven C flares. Sunspot active region AR3947 has a beta-delta configuration. AR3943 and AR3945 have beta-gamma magnetic complexities. The remaining have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has 10 numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. There are two newcomers on the Earth-facing solar disk, AR3948 and AR3949.

The NOAA SWPC aurora forecast for today UTC time for a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm. This means possible auroras at high latitudes. Image via NOAA.

Sun news for January 3: X flare early today!

BAM! Just as we were about to report a quiet sun … an X1.2 flare! The blast came at 11:39 UTC (5:39 a.m. CST) this morning. The flash of x-rays heated Earth’s atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of southern Africa, causing an R3 radio blackout. We don’t yet know if the event included a coronal mass ejection (CME), a blast of sun-stuff headed Earth’s way. Stay tuned for that info! Otherwise, the 2025 sun-Earth connection kicked off with a bang this week, too, with a severe (G4) geomagnetic storm and auroras lighting up Earth’s skies. Things have since settled down here on Earth, but hold on. Another round of solar shenanigans is on the way! A fresh coronal mass ejection, blob of sun stuff, is heading toward us, teaming up with some speedy solar wind from a coronal hole. The result? A minor geomagnetic storm might make an appearance tomorrow and auroras at higher latitudes. Got luck and clear skies. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: This morning’s X flare brings solar activity to high. The X flare came just 39 minutes after the end of our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today). Prior to the X flare, flare production had dropped to 10 flares during the past day: an M and nine C flares. The largest event was an M1.1 at 17:40 UTC on January 2 from AR3936. A corresponding R1 (minor) radio black affected an area over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Chile. The lead flare producer of the period is now active region AR3947 with five C flares. Sunspot active regions AR3943, AR3945 and AR3947 have beta-gamma configurations. The remaining have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has eight numbered sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side. There is a newcomer on the northeast limb (edge) numbered AR3947 after our daily photo of sunspots. This newcomer is the lead flare producer and one of today’s beta-gamma sunspot regions.

Sun news: A section of a green sun, then a blast showing the shape of an X.
Sun news for January 2-3, 2025. Surprise! An X1.2 flare just after our normal reporting period. Images via NOAA.
Sun news for January 2-3, 2025. Another coronal mass ejection (CME) is headed toward Earth. It left the sun on January 1 and a glancing blow is expected tomorrow, January 4. This might bring a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm and auroras to higher latitudes. Image via NOAA.
A bit of prominence action on the limb (edge) of the sun, keeping things more interesting on a calmer star. Image via NOAA.
The SOHO LASCO C3 coronagraph is very sensitive and does a great job. One of the results is showing us The Teapot. Image via NOAA.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on January 2, 2025. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun with numerous active regions.” Thank you, Mario!

Sun news for January 2: SEVERE geomagnetic storming kicks off 2025!

The 6th-largest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 25 – a G4 (severe) storm – happened on January 1, 2025, kicking off the new year. So, 2025 started with auroras! The solar stuff coming our way was expected: the sun has hurled not one but two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) into space on December 29. Forecasters had predicted G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming with a slight chance for G3 (strong) storms. We were surprised with the G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm, which began at 12:41 UTC on January 1. It was due to the two combined CMEs, reverberating through Earth’s magnetic field. All of Norway – where one of our daily sun post authors, Raúl Cortés, is now visiting family – was blanketed in auroral displays. We also heard reports of sightings from all around northern Europe. Did you see the auroras? Did you take a photo? Share it with us.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity continued at moderate levels over the past day. The sun produced 17 flares during our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today): three M (moderate) flares and 14 C (minor) class flares. The largest event was an M1.2 flare produced at 18:17 UTC on January 1 from AR3936. The lead flare producer of the period continued to be active region AR3936. The M flares for the observation period were:

  • M1.0 at 15:24 UTC on January 1 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the east coast of Brazil.
  • M1.2 at 18:17 UTC on January 1 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Chile.
  • M1.1 at 21:42 UTC on January 1 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.

AR3936 continues with a beta-delta magnetic configuration. AR3938 and AR3939 have beta-gamma configurations. The remaining have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has eight sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side.

January 2, 2025. Sun activity shows 3 coronal holes, 2 of them look pretty large, soon to move into a geoeffective position to send us at Earth their fast solar wind. GOES-16 SUVI 195 angstrom. Image via NOAA.
January 2, 2025. Sun activity granted us with long lasting prominences in opposite limbs of the solar horizon. Interesting. GOES-16 SUVI 304 angstrom. Image via NOAA.
January 2, 2025. This is what we saw yesterday, January 1, a peak at G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm. Beautiful auroral displays to start 2025! Estimated Planetary K index chart. Image via NOAA.

Sun news for January 1: 2025 starts with auroras

Happy 2025 to all! The New Year arrived with auroral displays and the first M-class solar flare (a moderate-sized flare) of 2025. One of the awaited coronal mass ejections (CMEs) arrived last night. Earth’s magnetic field is experiencing a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm at the time of this writing (11 UTC on January 1). And a lingering G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm is expected today, January 1, with a chance of continuing G2 (moderate) levels due to the arrival of a second CME from December 29. Meanwhile, as 2025 begins, we look back at a few highs and lows of the past year: Parker Solar Probe successfully completed the world’s closest-ever sweep past our sun, while the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) data pipeline was interrupted (and is still down). The sun’s activity surged throughout 2024 and also during the year’s final days. What is in store for 2025? Solar activity can be expected to remain high! Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours:  Sun activity has been moderate over the past day (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), with four M flares. The sun produced 15 notable flares in all, four M and 11 C flares. The largest event was an M2.9 produced at 22:50 UTC on December 31 by active region AR3938. The lead flare producer was AR3936, with seven flares, three M and four C class flares. The M flares for the observation period were:

  • M2.0 at 21:51 UTC on December 31 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.
  • M2.7 at 22:19 UTC on December 31 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
  • M2.9 at 22:50 UTC on December 31 from AR3938. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Fiji Islands.
  • M1.1 at 4:45 UTC on January 1 from AR3936. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Australia.

AR3936 has a beta-delta magnetic configuration. AR3938 kept its beta-gamma configurations. The remaining have simpler alphas or betas. The sun has eight sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun activity for January 1, 2025. A G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm – and a possible G2 storm – are predicted for today by NOAA analysts. That means auroras! The red line across this image shows the southernmost extent of locations where auroras might be seen, on the northern horizon. Image via NOAA.
The sun, seen as a large yellow sphere with a mottled surface.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Mario Rana in Hampton, Virginia, captured this filtered image on December 31, 2024. Mario wrote: “Hydrogen-alpha image of the sun with some nice active regions, filaments, and prominences.” Thank you, Mario!
Posted 
January 1, 2025
 in 
Sun

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