Sun activity archive for May 2024

Sun news for May 31, 2024: Auroras possible tonight and tomorrow

Spaceweather experts are predicting auroras tonight and tomorrow! A G1 minor geomagnetic storm was registered at 5:18 UTC this morning. A coronal mass ejection (CME) hurled by the sun on May 27 – a bubble of solar material and magnetic fields – caused this morning’s storming. May 29’s X1.4 flare also gave us glancing blow from a CME, and it contributed to this morning’s storm, too. We also observed what looks like several small CMEs over the past day. And remember … the historic auroral display we saw back on May 10-11 was provoked by a series of small CMEs, which were swallowed up by a much larger and faster one on the way to Earth. Such incredible auroras aren’t expected this weekend … but if the sun keeps this up, it could only take one big flare from returned sunspot region AR3697 – which was largely responsible for the May 10-11 solar storm – to bring some more major geomagnetic storming. Stay tuned!
Last 24 hours: Solar activity would be moderate if we included the M1.1 flare that took place 20 minutes after our observation period ended (our observation period is 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today; the M flare was at 11:20 UTC this morning). Prior to that, we saw only C flares over the past day, 13 in all. The largest was a C9.8 flare – almost an M flare – by AR3697 in the southeast at 3:37 UTC on May 31. We also saw a large solar filament that started lifting plasma. This is the kind of event that eventually ends in a huge prominence, so we’ll keep watching. The lead flare producer of the period was AR3697, which blasted out seven flares, followed by AR3698 with five. AR3697 maintains its beta-gamma magnetic configuration, meaning it has the potential for more M and X flares. Meanwhile, AR3691’s magnetic complexity reduced to the lower-potential beta-gamma. The rest of the seven labeled sunspots on the solar disk remain either stable or in decay. There’s a newcomer in the northeast, now numbered AR3698.

Sun news for May 30, 2024: Another X flare from returning monster sunspot!

X flare! Giant sunspot AR3697 (formerly AR3664) blasted out an X1.4 flare yesterday, its second X flare since rotating back onto the Earth-viewed sun. It was a long-duration eruption that peaked at 14:37 UTC on May 29. An R3 (strong) radio blackout was registered from 14:25 to 16:54 UTC, initially affecting an area over the mid-Atlantic Ocean and ending over Puerto Rico. The flare sent a coronal mass ejection, or bubble of solar material and magnetic fields, into space. AR3697 is still near the eastern horizon, so the CME will not provide a direct hit, but initial analysis suggests a component may give Earth a glancing blow late tomorrow.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high after the X flare. 12 flares were produced between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today: one X flare, six Ms, and five Cs. The largest was an X1.4 flare from AR3697 at 14:37 UTC on May 29.
The list of X and M flares for the day is:
-M1.9 flare by AR3695 at 11:21 UTC on May 29. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Algeria in Africa.
-M2.5 flare by AR3697 at 12:55 UTC on May 29. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the west coast of Africa.
–X1.4 flare by AR3697 at 14:37 UTC on May 29. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the mid-Atlantic Ocean. (The largest)
-M2.7 flare by AR3691 at 18:28 UTC on May 29. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mexico.
-M5.7 flare by AR3691 at 18:41 UTC on May 29. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mexico.
-M1.3 flare by AR3691 at 19:10 UTC on May 29. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Mexico.
-M1.1 flare by AR3691 at 7:13 UTC on May 30. R1 (minor) radio blackout over India.
The lead flare producer of the period was AR3691, with five flares: four Ms and one C flare. Active regions AR3691 and AR3697 are the largest in area on the solar disk. Both have a beta-gamma magnetic configuration. This means they have the potential for more M and X flares. The sun currently has seven labeled active regions on its Earth-facing side.

Active Region 3697 (former AR3664) just blasted out an X1.4 flare! Read more at https://t.co/EifSzAdFFq.#sun pic.twitter.com/EAEmQ1137g

— EarthSky (@earthskyscience) May 29, 2024

Sun news for May 29, 2024: A former giant sunspot is back!

The monster active region AR3664 is back on the Earth-facing sun, now labeled AR3697. The sun’s rotation has carried it back into view. And what an entrance! It was apparently the source of yesterday’s X2.9 flare, seen before the region had come fully into view over the solar horizon. Today, the region is still close to the sun’s southeast limb (edge). So a full analysis isn’t possible yet. But it appears that – during its transit on the far side of our star – this region decayed a bit. It’s still big, but not as big as it was. It’s showing a beta-gamma magnetic configuration. And it’s putting out flares. This region brought today’s sun activity level up to moderate, by producing two M flares.  It’s today’s lead flare producer, with 18 total flares. Details below. During its past incarnation as AR3664, it produced 11 X flares from May 6 to May 14. It was the producer of the largest X flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far, an X8.8 on May 14. And it was a main player in the huge geomagnetic storm we experienced on May 10. Let’s see what it’s got to offer this time.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is now moderate. During our observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today), the sun produced a total of 21 flares, two Ms and 19 C flares. The largest was an M1.5 flare by active region AR3697 at 6:45 UTC on May 29. Shortly after the explosion an R1 (minor) radio blackout was registered, affecting an area over India. The other M was an M1.2 by AR2697 at 1:06 UTC on May 29. This time, the corresponding R1 (minor) radio blackout affected an area over the Pacific Ocean. Lead flare producer of the period is prolific AR2697, which blasted out 18 flares, the two mentioned Ms plus 16 C flares. Currently, the sun has eight labeled active regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for May 28, 2024: X2.9 flare yesterday

And we’re back, after two days off for the Memorial Day weekend. While we were out, the sun blasted an X2.9 flare at 7:08 UTC on May 27. It came from an incoming active region on the sun’s southeast limb (edge). Presumably, the producer is the former large sunspot region AR3664, still located  behind the solar horizon. In the two days before this X flare, the sun was quiet, with not even a single M flare (moderately sized flare). There were only little C flares. Then early yesterday, boom! This unexpected X flare. Since then, it’s been quiet again. The X flare provoked an R3 (strong) radio blackout, affecting an area over the Arabian Sea. And it produced a huge prominence, with a large partial halo registered by SOHO’s LASCO C2 and C3. The coronal mass ejection (CME) produced during the event is not coming our way at Earth. But a bit of its shock wave could sideswipe Earth today. Keep tuned for more sun news.
Last 24 hours: Note that the X flare happened just outside our ordinary observation period (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC). Thus, over the past day, solar activity was considered low. But the sun produced a lot of little flares, 17 C flares in all. The largest was a C9 at 19:16 UTC on May 27 from the incoming active region on the sun’s southeast, presumably the former AR3664. This active region, unnumbered as yet, has been quite productive. It blasted out 13 C flares out of the day’s 17 flares. Meanwhile, its former companion – formerly labeled AR3663, now AR3691 – has been quiet, producing only a few C flares during the weekend. But AR3691 is still is the largest active region in physical size on the Earth-facing solar disk. Currently, the sun has eight labeled active regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for May 25, 2024: Huge active region rotating toward Earth

We’re starting to get a glimpse of a huge active region rotating toward the Earth-facing side of the sun. The still-unnumbered sunspot group is peeking over the northeast limb (edge) of the sun. As it rotates into fuller view, we’ll get a better idea of if this was one of the active regions that launched X flares at the sun in early May. But all expectations are that this is the former AR3663. In the last 24 hours, the sun produced an isolated M flare, pumping up its activity to moderate. AR3679 blasted the M1.4 flare at 20:25 UTC on May 24. The explosion provoked an R1 (minor) radio blackout affecting an area over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Baja California in Mexico. The imminent departure of sunspot region AR3679, lead flare producer of the week, brings down solar flare production to only seven flares during our observation period. In addition, an exploding filament produced a gorgeous prominence on the northeast limb (edge) at around 11:38 UTC on May 24. And later on, a closed loop prominence occurred at 4:17 UTC on May 25. All in all, the sun should be fairly calm through the weekend. But big action might be in store for us during the upcoming week as the huge active region comes fully into sight. Keep tuned.
Last 24 hours: An isolated M flare during the past day bring us now to moderate levels of solar activity. Flaring production decreased from 26 flares yesterday to only eight flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today: one M flare and seven Cs. The largest flare was the M1.4 by AR3679 at 20:25 UTC on May 24. Shortly after the explosion, an R1 (minor) radio blackout was registered. It affected an area over the the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Baja California in Mexico. The lead flare producer of the day was AR3679, which produced a total of five flares, four Cs and the M flare. Today our star shows six labeled sunspot regions on its Earth-facing side.  The two large coronal holes we have been observing remain. One of them in the southern hemisphere is now in a geoeffective position, meaning the fast solar wind it produces is coming toward Earth. This will bring chances of more auroral displays.

Sun activity has risen to high after 5 M flares were produced over the past day. Two of these came from AR3679, this week’s most active sunspot region, which is now starting to rotate out of view on the southwest limb (edge). It still bears a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, meaning it has potential for more Ms and even an X flare. Will it produce an X flare before departing from the Earth-viewed solar disk? We’ll see. Meanwhile on the opposite horizon, a new sunspot region has arrived: meet AR3690. Although, we might have met this region before … We’ve been expecting the reappearance of former sunspot region AR3663 today, returning to view having rotated around the rear of the sun since we last saw it. However, specialists have not yet confirmed that this newcomer is the former hero, as it is still located too near to the solar horizon for a complete analysis. Plus, the latest imagery shows that an even bigger sunspot is following just behind AR3690, which could also be AR3663 – we’ll keep you updated. Here’s a reminder of AR3663’s past exploits: during its transit across the Earth-facing side of the sun from April 30 to May 11, AR3663 was so large that it was visible from Earth through eclipse glasses with no magnification aid. And it produced a stunning five X flares, the largest being a an X4.5 blasted on May 6. At the time, this X4.5 flare was the largest of Solar Cycle 25, later offset by the X8.8 by AR3664. AR3663 produced three X flares in less than 24 hours. If one of these new sunspot regions is a returning AR3663, we could be in for some serious action!
Last 24 hours: Solar activity today is high with the production of five M flares. We saw an increase in flaring production, with 26 flares produced between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today: five M flares and 21 Cs. The largest flare was an M2.5 by AR3679 at 13:26 UTC on May 23. After the blast, an R1 (minor) radio blackout was observed affecting an area over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. The lead flare producer was AR3679, which produced a total of 17 flares: two Ms and 15 C flares. This is the list of the M flares for the period:
–M2.5 flare by AR3679 at 13:26 UTC on May 23. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off west coast of Africa (the largest).
-M1.0 flare by AR3689 at 15:58 UTC on May 23. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico.
-M1.5 flare by AR3685 at 7:06 UTC on May 24. R1 (minor) radio blackout over India.
-M1.1 flare by AR3679 at 8:01 UTC on May 24. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Arabian Sea.
-M1.3 flare by AR3685 at 9:00 UTC on May 24. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Red Sea.
Currently the sun bears seven labeled active regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3690 on the northeast limb (edge). There are currently two large coronal holes. The one in the south is now in a geoeffective position, meaning the fast solar wind it produces will start coming our way at Earth, bringing chances of more auroral displays.

Sun news for May 23, 2024: Filament explodes into gorgeous prominence

The long filament – or rope of solar material and magnetic fields – that we observed arcing up from the surface of the sun yesterday has exploded into a gorgeous, long-lasting prominence on the southeast limb (edge). The event was a slow explosion, lasting most of the day yesterday and continuing into the early hours of this morning. It hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) into space, but it was directed too far south to be Earth-directed. In other news, former sunspot region AR3663 is expected to rotate back into view tomorrow, with its partner in crime AR3664 expected to come back into view by May 26. These two regions brought huge action when they were on the Earth-facing side of the sun, firing off numerous X flares and bringing us an historic solar storm. Let’s see what they’ve got in store for us this time!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity remains moderate with the production of four M flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. We saw an increase in flaring production; the sun blasted another 15 C flares for a total of 19 flares over the past 24 hours, compared to nine flares the day before. The largest of the Ms was an M4.2 flare by AR3679 at 2:16 UTC on May 23. The lead flare producer of the period was AR3679, which fired 11 flares, including the four Ms. Notably, this sunspot region AR3679 has developed a delta magnetic complexity and now shows a complete beta-gamma-delta configuration – the most potent – meaning it has the potential for more M flares and even X flares. This is the breakdown of the M flares:
-M1.2 flare by AR3679 at 14:05 UTC on May 22. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast in Africa.
-M4.2 flare by AR3679 at 2:16 UTC on May 23. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea (the largest).
-M1.7 flare by AR3679 at 4:29 UTC on May 23. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the South China Sea.
-M1.0 flare by AR3679 at 10:08 UTC on May 23. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Egypt.
There are currently six labeled active regions on the Earth-facing side of our star, and two large coronal holes.

Sun news for May 22, 2024: Activity now moderate, with 3 M flares

Sun activity has been in a lull for a couple of days. But over the past day it bumped up to moderate, with the production of three M flares. The largest was an M2.3 flare from sunspot region AR3683. It exploded earlier today (4:04 UTC on May 22), causing an R1 (minor) radio blackout over the north coast of the Philippines. We also saw a beautiful prominence on the sun’s south pole over the past day. And long-lasting prominences accompanied the departure of sunspot region AR3683, now rotating out of view on the sun’s southwest limb (edge). There is a long filament – a rope of solar material and magnetic fields, arcing up from the visible surface of the sun – on the sun’s southeast quadrant. Long filaments of this type can blow out coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We will keep watching this guy for more. A bonus track today is the unearthly view captured by SOHO’s LASCO C3 imager, which reveals Jupiter getting closer to Venus for a planetary conjunction due later today (May 22). Both planets are near the sun in our sky now. We can’t see them with our eyes, but our robot spacecraft can see them. Another bonus! Former active region AR3663 is anticipated to rotate back into view tomorrow (May 23). When it does, it’ll get a new number.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity has jumped to moderate over the past day (11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today). The sun blasted out a total of nine flares, three Ms and six C flares. The position for lead flare producer of the period is shared today. Active regions AR3683 and AR3679 produced four flares each. AR3679 produced two of the M flares of the day, but AR3683 produced the largest M. Here’s a list of M flares of the past day:
– M1.9 flare by AR3679 at 19:31 UTC on May 21. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Baja California in Mexico.
– M1.5 flare by AR3679 at 3:13 UTC on May 22. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M2.3 flare by AR3683 at 4:04 UTC on May 22. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the north coast of the Philippines.
There are seven labeled active regions on the Earth-facing side of our star, and two large coronal holes.

Sun news for May 21, 2024: Sun activity is on the far side now

Most of the activity over the past day has been on the sun’s far side. Meanwhile, on the Earth-facing side of our star, activity has dropped to low. But some far side activity should rotate into our view soon! Sun experts realized that, while analyzing a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the C6.7 flare by AR3683 at 5:54 UTC yesterday (May 20). They were trying to see if a component was Earth-directed. The analysis was difficult, since the event was masked and hidden by a full halo event, registered by the SOHO spacecraft’s LASCO C3 imager. Finally with the help of multiple images from NASA’s fleet of sun-observing spacecraft, they obtained the result that the full halo event came from the sun’s far side. So the CME was Venus-oriented (Venus is behind the sun now), not Earth-directed. It might have originated from one of our old friends AR3663 or AR3664. Mars is also (more or less) on the far side of the sun from Earth now. And the Mars Perseverance rover also took a photo of the far-side sun today, showing a large sunspot region that will come into view for us in the next days. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity dropped low during the past day, with only  C class flares. Overall, flare production decreased as well. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun exploded only six C flares. The largest event was a C4.8 flare produced by active region AR3683 at 7:32 UTC on May 21. Lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3683. It produced three of the six C flares of the day.  Currently, the sun bears six labeled active regions on its Earth-facing side. The sun now has two large coronal holes on its Earth-facing side. During our observation period, a second large coronal hole emerged on the southeast quadrant. In two or three days they will reach a geoeffective position, meaning more fast solar wind coming our way and possibly good conditions for auroras.

Sun news for May 20, 2024: Chances for auroras tonight. Sun activity is moderate

Chances for auroras tonight! A  G1 (Minor) storming levels is expected later today from a glancing blow of a coronal mass ejection (CME) hurled buy the sun on May 17. Chance to witness auroral displays are for higher latitudes as far south as north states in US such as Montana and North Dakota who may look for auroras just above the north horizon. These conditions may be extended thru early tomorrow May 21. Do not put up those cameras. Bring them out and clear skies for you aurora watchers. Turning our head back to the sun, sun activity went up to moderate level with the production of three M flares during our observation period. Read below details. Added to that, at the time of this writing at around 5:54 UTC  today, we saw a giant filament eruption in the vicinity of active region AR3683 in the southwest quadrant near the solar horizon. Lifting plasma was observed during the event. For starters it looks too far south to be Earth-oriented. Earlier another filament eruption occurred on the northwest quadrant. No Earth-bound coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been reported so far but modeling and analysis of both events are ongoing. Keep with us for more sun news.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity increased to moderate levels during the past day with the production of three M flares. Over our observation period between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun blasted out a total of 14 flares: three Ms plus 11 Cs. The largest event was an M2.5 flare exploded by active region AR3685 at 17:56 on May 19. This is the list of the M flares of the period:
-M1.9 flas by AR3685 at 13:44 UTC on May 19. R1(minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa.
-M2.5 flare by AR3685 at 17:56 UTC on May 19. R1(minor) radio blackout over Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. (The largest)
-M1.6 flare by AR3685 at 21:59 UTC on May 19. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
The sun bears today six labeled active regions. Active regions AR3679 and AR3685 show today a  beta-gamma magnetic complexity. That means these sunspot regions have the potential for more Cs and M flares. The rest of the active regions remain with alpha or beta configuration. Three newcomers received their label, they are now called AR3684, AR3685 and AR3686. They are now located almost at the solar equator line a hair below on the southeast quadrant. There is a large coronal holes that developed on the northeast quadrant.

? ? Sun news for May 19, 2024: Giant filament erupts from calm sun

? ? Happy Sun Day! The sun is quiet today.

? ? A large filament erupted

? ? CMEs from days ago may bring auroras tonight.

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/yOC8EJYROa

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 19, 2024

Sun news for May 19, 2024: Giant filament erupts from calm sun

Today’s top story: Happy Sun Day! It is a quiet one on the sun today. Flaring levels have dropped in number and size, with only C-class flares. The ten sunspot regions are either stable or are in decay (shrinking), with all having the simplest magnetic complexity, an alpha configuration. Super active regions AR3663 and AR3664 both continue to churn on the far side, easily visible from the tiny camera on the Perseverance rover. A large filament stretching across the southern hemisphere erupted around 21:00 UTC on May 18. It stretched more than 100 Earths in length, around 800,000 miles or 1.4 million kilometers. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) is under analysis. Though largely south-directed, there is a reasonable chance for an Earth-directed component. CMEs that left the sun on May 16 and 17 may be reaching Earth on May 20 and 21, bringing possible G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming and auroras. The storms will most likely only make it to the active or G1 (minor) level, so folks in Alaska, northern Canada, and northern Europe will have the best chance for colorful skies. Share your photos with us! Stay tuned!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity has dropped to low levels. Over our observation period between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today only contain C flares. The largest event was a C4.1 flare at 19:33 UTC on May 18, 2024, from AR3685. All ten sunspot regions on the sun today have a basic alpha magnetic complexity. A filament stretched across the southern hemisphere erupted, producing a coronal mass ejection (CME) that was largely southward-directed.

Sun news for May 18, 2024: Eruptions, Jupiter and auroras

Flaring has picked up to moderate levels thanks to an M7.2 flare from AR3685. This active region was most likely the one that released the X3.0 flare off the eastern limb a few days ago. Currently, the region’s magnetic complexity is not up to X potential, but its beta-gamma configuration means there’s a chance for more M-class activity. AR3685 also produced a beautiful filament eruption over the past day, hurling plasma into space off the eastern edge of the sun. Could it become another AR3663 or AR3664? Not at the moment, but the sun loves to surprise us. The SOHO/LASCO imagery shows us the filament eruptions resulting in coronal mass ejections (CMEs). But it also gave us a glimpse of the largest planet, Jupiter. The king of planets is in superior conjunction today, or opposite the sun from our point of view. Even though it looks like the sun might swallow Jupiter, in reality the gas giant is some 400 million miles (600 million km) from the sun. Back on Earth, solar activity set off a G1 (minor) and G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm. Did you catch any auroras? Share your photos with us! Keep your cameras out, because there could be more tonight. The storms will most likely only make it to the active or G1 (minor) level, so folks in Alaska, northern Canada, and northern Europe will have the best chance for colorful skies. Though if we reach the G2 level, auroras might be visible at slightly lower latitudes. Good luck!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity picked up from low yesterday to moderate during the past day with the production of an isolated M7.2 flare. AR3685 produced the flare – the largest of the day – at 21:08 UTC on May 17, within our observation period between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. The flare caused a temporary blackout on Earth, an R1 (minor) radio blackout that affected an area over the Pacific Ocean, east of Hawaii. The sun is covered with 11 sunspot regions, but only AR3685 has produced an event above a C flare. But the lead flare producer was active region AR3679 with three C flares. Two of today’s sunspot regions show a beta-gamma magnetic complexity: AR3679 and AR3685. The remaining sunspot regions are stable or in decay, showing alpha configurations.

? ? Sun news for May 18, 2024: Eruptions, Jupiter, and auroras

? ? Flaring has picked up to moderate levels

? We get another glimpse of Jupiter. The giant is in superior conjunction today.

? Could be more auroras tonight

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/lufQBsKAvS

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 18, 2024

Sun news for May 17, 2024: Large sunspot regions on both sides of the sun

? ? Sun news for May 17, 2024: Large sunspot regions on both sides of the sun

? Sun activity is back to low levels, with only faint C flares being produced.

? ? AR3663 and AR3664, are on the other side of the sun.

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/6DrcPS1O5W

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 17, 2024

After a glorious arrival yesterday, blasting two M flares and an X flare in quick succession, newly labeled sunspot group AR3685 couldn’t quite keep the intensity going today, blasting only three C flares over the past 24 hours. It did, however, blast a huge, gorgeous prominence – take a look in the video above. This region is still showing great potential, as are two huge sunspot regions on the other side of the sun. AR3663 and AR3664, the regions that produced the past month’s frenzy of X flare and aurora activity, are both very visible on the tiny daily images captured by the Mars Perseverance rover. They are still largely intact, and have been firing off coronal mass ejections (CMEs) toward Mars and Mercury. Will these sunspot regions survive the trip around the sun to bring more action our way? Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity dropped to low with the production of only C flares. The sun blasted out 12 C flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. At 1:46 UTC on May 17, AR3679 produced the largest of those C flares, a C8.7. The lead flare producer of the day was sunspot region AR3679, which produced six flares out of the 12. The sun has 12 labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. Two of these are newcomers in the southeast: AR3684 and AR3685. Four of today’s sunspot regions show a beta-gamma magnetic complexity: AR3670, AR3676, AR3679 and AR3682. This means they have the potential for more C and M flares. The rest are stable, showing simple alpha or beta configurations.

Sun news for May 16, 2024: More auroras and exciting new sunspot region

? ? Sun news for May 16, 2024: More auroras and exciting new sunspot region

? ? A G2 geomagnetic storm is ongoing

? ? An unnumbered region in the SE made its glorious entrance blasting two M flares and an X3.0 flare

? ? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/9PcDVrZQZ8

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 16, 2024

A G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm is ongoing at the time of this writing. This may bring auroral displays to northern latitudes as far south as the states of New York and Wisconsin in the US. The disturbance is due to a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the sun on May 13. G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) storming may continue through today, with auroras possible tonight, so get those cameras ready! Many have been asking whether yesterday’s massive X8.8 flare would bring auroras, but sadly no Earth-bound component has yet been detected. But, even though the X8.8 flare’s producer – AR3664 – has just passed out of view in the southwest, it looks like the solar action isn’t stopping. A new region in the southeast has made a glorious entrance, blasting two M flares and an X3.0 flare in a 30-minute period. The X3.0 was produced at 14:38 UTC on May 15, causing an R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean. This region hasn’t even been numbered yet and it’s already causing a scene! Stay tuned to see what else it brings.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high after the production of an X flare. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 10 flares: an X, three M flares and six C flares. The largest event was an X3.0 at 14:38 UTC on May 15 from an as-yet-unnumbered active region. The blast caused a temporary R3 (strong) radio blackout that affected an area over the Atlantic Ocean. The lead flare producer of the period was this newcomer on the southeast limb (edge), which produced seven of the ten flares of the day: the X flare, the three Ms and three Cs. Here’s a breakdown of this region’s X and M flares:
-M2.9 at 14:06 UTC on May 15. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
-M3.3 at 14:17 UTC on May 15. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
-X3.0 at 14:38 UTC on May 15. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
-M1.0 at 8:04 UTC on May 16. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Arabian Sea off the south coast of Pakistan.
The sun currently has 12 labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. There is a newcomer that emerged on the southwest quadrant close to the central meridian, now numbered AR3683. Sunspot AR3679 shows a beta-gamma-delta magnetic complexity, meaning it has the potential for M and even X flares, while AR3676 and AR3682 now show beta-gamma configurations. The rest are stable, showing simple alpha or beta configurations.

Video: Are blasts from the sun affecting YOU?

Sun news for May 15, 2024: The biggest flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far

At 16:51 UTC yesterday (midday yesterday for North America), we had the biggest solar flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far. It was an X8.8! And departing sunspot region AR3664 produced it, just as the sun’s rotation was about to carry this region out of our view. In fact, the region was already partly blocked by the body of the sun, so might have been even bigger. The ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter observed the X8.8 flare from the sun’s far side and estimated that it might have been as large as X18! Thus, sun activity is now considered very high. Plus AR3664 produced two more X flares over the past day, an X1.2 flare at 12:55 UTC on May 14 and an X3.5 at 8:37 UTC today (May 15). The X8.8 flare becomes a historic event, since it is the 17th largest solar flare, slightly bigger than the infamous Bastille Day Flare of July 14, 2000. Stay with us for more sun news.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity was very high during the past day with the production of three X flares and a slight increase in flare production. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 13 flares: three X, three M flares and seven C flares. The largest flare of the period is an X8.8 flare. Active region AR3664 is completely out of sight but it kept its position as the lead flare producer of the period. It produced six flares in total, the three X flares of the day plus three Cs. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
– X1.2 by AR3664 at 12.55 UTC on May 14. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Mauritania.
– X8.8 by AR3664 at 16:51 UTC on May 14. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Dominican Republic (the largest).
– M4.5 by AR3680 at 17:38 UTC on May 14. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Caribbean Sea and Mexico.
– M1.3 by AR3679 at 20:01 UTC on May 14. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean
– X3.5 by AR3664 at 8:37 UTC on May 15. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Oman.
The sun currently has 12 labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. There is a newcomer today, now numbered AR3682, located close to the east limb (edge) in the northeast quadrant.

Sun news for May 14, 2024: Departing X flare from AR3664

Sun activity is high with the production of an X flare by AR3664. Perhaps this is the farewell X flare by this super active sunspot as it moves out of view on the southwest limb (edge), but even out of view we may see more activity from it for the next two days. During its transit it has produced several X flares and M flares, plus it was co-producer of the largest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 25 so far. As it departs, the potential for X flares is reduced now to only a 40% chance. We will see if it has any more last hurrahs. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity was high during the past day with an isolated X flare, but flare production was reduced. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today the sun produced only eight flares: an X, five M flares and two C flares. All flares but one were produced by active region AR3664, which can barely be seen on the southwest limb (edge). The largest flare of the period was an X1.7 flare by AR3664 at 2:09 UTC on May 14. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
– M3.7 by AR3664 at 13:11 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa.
– M1.1 by AR3674 at 17:47 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Cancun, Mexico.
– M1.1 by AR3664 at 18:48 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the south of Mexico.
– M1.5 by AR3664 21:59 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
– M2.6 by AR3664 at 1:48 UTC on May 14. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– X1.7 by AR3664 at 2:09 UTC on May 14. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea (the largest).
Once again, perhaps for its last time in its transit on the Earth-facing side of our star, active region AR3664 is the lead flare producer. It produced seven flares during our observation period, an X and four Ms and two C flares. The sun currently has 13 labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. There are two newcomers today, now numbered AR3679 and AR3680. The are located close to the east limb, one of them over the solar equator and the other on the northeast quadrant.

Sun news for May 13, 2024: High X flare potential today!

The X flare potential today remains at 75%, the highest we’ve seen in Solar Cycle 25 so far (not counting yesterday). Wow! This weekend’s solar superstorm may be over, but coronal mass ejections – or CMEs, or massive chunks of sun material – continue to travel toward Earth. We don’t expect G4 (severe) or G5 (extreme) storms at this time. But at least G3 (moderate) geomagnetic storming is in the forecast. For those of you who’ve asked, another G5 (extreme) storm is unlikely in the coming few days, but surprises are still possible. If you have photos from this weekend’s storm, please submit them to our community page! Finally, enjoy some of the photos we’ve already received from the weekend, in this beautiful gallery.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high with the production of an X flare and 12 M flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. These flares are all produced by AR3664, which remains the largest and most complex region on the solar disk. AR3675 and AR3676 grew, and new regions AR3677, AR3678, and AR367 were numbered. Over the last 24 hours, the sun produced 23 flares: the X flare, 12 M flares, and ten C flares. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
– X1.5 by AR3664 at 11:15 UTC, May 11. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Africa.
– M1.7 by AR3664 at 12:27 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
– M1.0 by AR3664 at 13:40 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
– M1.6 by AR3664 at 13:47 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Americas.
– X1.0 by AR3664 at 16:11 UTC on May 12. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Americas.
– M4.9 by AR3664 at 20:17 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.1 by AR3664 at 22:01 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.1 by AR3664 at 22:07 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.0 by AR3664 at 23:00 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.3 by AR3664 at 01:23 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
– M1.2 by AR3664 at 08:06 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
– M1.5 by AR3664 at 08:23 UTC on May 13. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
– M5.0 by AR3664 at 08:47 UTC on May 13. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Africa.
– M6.7 by AR3664 at 09:36 UTC on May 13. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Africa.
So AR3664 is again the lead flare producer. It produced all but two of the flares of the period. It produced nine flares: one X, 12 Ms, and nine Cs. A filament erupted off the north pole around 11:00 UTC on May 12, 2024, and an eruption occurred off the western limb around the back side of AR3664 around 8:35 UTC on May 13, 2024. The geomagnetic field reached G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm levels early in the UTC due to continued CME activity. After periods of unsettled to active levels, responses increased to G2 (moderate) levels late in the reporting period. The sun currently has 12 labeled regions on its Earth-facing side.

? ? Sun news for May 13, 2024: High flare and auroral potential continues

? The chance for X flaring remains the highest seen in Solar Cycle 25 at 75%. Wow!

? ? ? Wait and see what is next from the sun and here on Earth.

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/3KijGbb7hJ

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 13, 2024

See an EarthSky photo gallery of the aurora superstorm from May 10 to 11, 2024!

Sun news for May 12, 2024: X flare potential is high. Plus, more auroras tonight?

The chances for more X flares today remain the highest we have seen in Solar Cycle 25 so far: 75%! See “next 24 hours,” below. Last night didn’t see the auroral explosion of the night before. But if you missed Friday’s auroras, don’t give up! More corona mass ejections (CMEs) are on the way. And that means more auroras coming! The X5.8 flare from May 11 had a large, fast CME associated with it, and that CME is on its way to us. We expect the CME to join the several still in route to Earth. NOAA has forecast that this soup of CMEs will reach Earth mid-day today (Sunday, May 12). That is around 12 UTC or 8 am EDT. Currently, the prediction is for a G4 (severe) to G5 (extreme) geomagnetic storm. Remember that originally NOAA only predicted a G4 (severe) storm? But the world experienced a G5 (extreme) storm with all the auroral excitement! Get ready, because we may have another chance for a spectacular show tonight. Fingers crossed for clear skies! If you do take aurora photos tonight or have already taken some, share them with our community! Finally, enjoy some of the photos we’ve already received from last night in this beautiful gallery.
Last 24 hours:Sun activity is still very high with the production of an X flare and six M flares between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. There is an ongoing radiation storm from the X5.8 flare, but that is dying down. At 11:15 UTC, May 11, the sun released an X1.5 from our old friend AR3664. Over the last 24 hours, the sun produced 12 flares: the X flare, six M flares, and seven C flares. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
-X1.5 by AR3664 at 11:15 UTC, May 11. R1 (strong) radio blackout over Africa.
-M1.8 by AR3664 at 13:45 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mexico.
-M8.9 by AR3664 at 14:46 UTC on May 11. R1 (moderate) radio blackout over the west coast of Mexico.
-M3.0 by AR3664 at 16:24 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the west coast of Mexico.
-M1.2 by AR3664 at 20:32 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M3.2 by AR3664 at 00:41 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M2.4 by unnumbered at 1:23 UTC on May 12. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Asia .
So AR3664 is the lead flare producer. It produced all but three of the flares of the period. It produced nine flares: one X, five Ms, and three Cs. A beautiful filament erupted off the south pole around 11:45 UTC on May 11, 2024. The sun currently has five labeled regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for May 11, 2024: Solar superstorm is ongoing. More auroras tonight?

WOW! Last night, there was an auroral explosion across the globe. The anticipated geomagnetic storm reached levels much higher than expected. But if you missed it, there’s a good chance for more tonight. Overnight, the level of geomagnetic activity climbed to a G5 (extreme) storm. A series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) arrived a bit earlier than anticipated, reaching us late yesterday, May 10. It appears that one or more CMEs overtook an earlier, slower CME, creating a cannibal event. And this event bumped the geomagnetic disturbance to unexpected levels. So much so that it has now become the largest geomagnetic storm in the past 20 years and the largest of Solar Cycle 25 so far! It has reached the level of a solar “superstorm” and is only slightly smaller than the famous November 2003 Halloween superstorm. Reports of aurora first came in from across Europe and New Zealand. Next, auroras reached the Americas, including as far south as Mexico, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas, and as far north in the Southern Hemisphere as Chile and Argentina. We’ll probably see more activity tonight, though currently it looks like the strongest activity has passed. But this could change! We have additional CMEs on the way, including some not yet been completely analyzed. An X5.8 flare yesterday (the second strongest of the cycle!) had a large coronal wave associated with it, which could indicate a large, fast CME. We’re also expecting high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole to reach Earth this weekend. Combined, these factors could bring extended superstorm activity. We’ll have to wait and see. If you took aurora photos, share them with EarthSky! And enjoy some of the photos we’ve already received from last night in this beautiful gallery. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is very high with the production of an X flare and a whole host of M flares. At 1:23 UTC today, May 11, the sun released the only X flare of the period, an X5.8 from active region AR3664, between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today. This X5.8 is just a hair smaller than the biggest X flare we have seen so far during Solar Cycle 25, an X6.4 flare from AR3590 back on February 22. Over the last 24 hours, the sun produced 15 flares: the X flare, 11 M flares, and three C flares. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
-M6.0 by AR3664 at 14:12 UTC, May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Niger.
-M1.1 by AR3664 at 18:32 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mexico.
-M1.8 by AR3664 at 18:48 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout off the west coast of Mexico.
-M2.0 by AR3664 at 19:05 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the west coast of Mexico.
-M1.1 by AR3664 at 19:53 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M1.9 by AR3664 at 20:03 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M3.8 by AR3664 at 21:08 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii.
-X5.8 by AR3664 at 1:23 UTC on May 11. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
-M1.4 by AR3664 at 4:40 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the South China Sea.
-M3.1 by AR3664 at 10:18 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
-M1.6 by AR3654 at 10:56 UTC on May 11. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
AR3664 is the lead flare producer. It produced all but one of the flares of the period. It produced 14 flares: one X, nine Ms, and four Cs. This active region goes also was the lead contributor to the largest geomagnetic storm of Solar Cycle 25 so far, a G5 or Kp = 9. The sun currently has five labeled regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for May 10, 2024: Severe solar storm to bring auroras!

This could be a big one! Severe geomagnetic storming is forecast, starting later today. We expect the arrival of a series of at least five coronal mass ejections (CMEs, great burps of material from the sun), all released by this week’s X- and M-flare activity. Should you be afraid? No. So far, this is ordinary behavior from our sun at Solar Maximum, which happens about every 11 years. G2 (moderate), G3 (strong), and up to G4 (severe) conditions are expected. This will bring chances for auroral displays to middle and possibly even low northerly latitudes! Highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from places including Inuvik, Vancouver, Washington, Michigan, Montpelier, Tromsø, the UK and Russia, and visible low on the horizon in places such as Indiana, California, Brussels, Warsaw, Wellington, and Hobart. Wishing you all clear skies!
Last 24 hours: Sun activity remains very high, with a case of solar deja vu; just like yesterday, our star blasted two X flares and a whole host of M flares. The strongest event was an X4.0 flare from AR3664 at 6:54 UTC on May 10. AR3664 also released an X1.1 flare at 17:44 UTC on May 9. Ejecta associated with the X1.1 soared into space during the event. We will await the results of modeling and analysis to see if there is an Earth-directed component. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 16 flares: two X flares, 12 M flares, and two C flares. The breakdown of X and M flares is:
-M4.1 by AR3663 at 11:22 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Niger.
-M3.1 by an unnumbered region in the southwest at 11:56 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mali.
-M2.9 by AR3664 at 12:12 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mauritania.
-M3.7 by AR3664 at 13:23 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean off west Africa.
-X1.1 by AR3664 at 17:44 UTC on May 9. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Cancun in Mexico.
-M1.0 by AR3663 at 21:21 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M1.0 by AR3663 at 22:15 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
-M2.6 by an unnumbered region in the southwest at 22:41 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
-M1.2 by an unnumbered region in the southeast at 23:08 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii.
-M1.6 by AR3664 at 23:51 UTC on May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M1.5 by AR3664 at 0:18 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-M1.5 by an unnumbered region in the southeast at 3:29 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippines.
-M1.4 by AR3664 at 6:24 UTC on May 10. R1 (minor) radio blackout over northeast India.
-X4.0 by AR3664 at 6:54 UTC on May 10. R3 (strong) radio blackout over northwest India. (The strongest)
-M2.2 flare by AR3664 at 10:14 UTC on May 10. R1(minor) radio blackout over Egypt.
AR3664 took the lead in flare production for the period, with nine flares: two X flares, six M flares, and a C flare. The sun currently has seven labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. There are two newcomers in the northeast quadrant: AR3671 and AR3672.

? ? Sun news for May 10, 2024: Severe solar storm to bring auroras!

? ? ? Strong to severe geomagnetic activity is anticipated starting later today into tomorrow.

Chances for auroral displays to mid and low latitudes!

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/lEQTd2BDMo

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 10, 2024

Sun news for May 9, 2024: Two X flares and M flares all day long

Our star is keeping up its very high activity, with AR3664 firing off two more X flares over the past day. The first, an X1.0, came at 21:08 UTC last night, followed less than an hour later by an M9.9 – just on the threshold of another X flare. The second X flare of the past 24 hours was an X2.3, fired again by AR3664 at 9:11 UTC this morning. This flare appears to have a fast coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with it, according to radio burst observations, but we await SOHO LASCO observations to verify this. The region has been firing off large M flares all day and has now surpassed AR3663 as the primary region to watch. More is surely on the way! Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Very high sun activity continues with two X flares and a long list of M flares. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 19 flares: two X flares, 15 M flares, and two C flares. The largest was an X2.3 flare from AR3664 at 9:11 UTC on May 9. Earlier, we saw the above-mentioned X1.0 flare from AR3664 at 21:08 UTC on May 8. This is the breakdown of X and M flares during our observation period:
-M4.1 by AR3663 at 11:22 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Niger.
-M8.7 by AR3664 at 12:04 UTC, May 8. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Mauritania.
-M1.1 by AR3662 at 14:43 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
-M7.9 by AR3668 at 17:53 UTC, May 8. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Cancun in Mexico.
-M2.9 by AR3662 at 18:36 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Mexico.
-M2.0 by AR3664 at 19:21 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Pacific Ocean off west coast Mexico.
-M1.8 by AR3664 at 20:34 UTC, May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
-X1.0 by AR3664 at 21:40 UTC, May 8. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii.
-M9.9 by AR3664 at 22:27 UTC, May 8. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Hawaii.
-M4.0 by AR3664 at 3:17 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
-M4.6 by AR3664 at 3:32 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
-M1.7 by AR3664 at 4:49 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Vietnam.
-M2.3 by AR3664 at 6:13 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Bay of Bengal.
-M2.5 by AR3664 at 6:27 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over India.
-M2.1 by AR3663 at 8:40 UTC, May 9. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Yemen.
-X2.3 by AR3664 at 9:11 UTC, May 9. R3 (strong) radio blackout centered over the Red Sea. (The strongest).
AR3664 took the lead in flaring production for the period, with a total of 13 flares: two X flares, 10 M flares, and a C flare. A prominence erupted from the eastern solar hemisphere, and a large prominence danced around the solar pole. The sun currently has five labeled regions on its Earth-facing side.

? ? Sun news for May 9, 2024: Two X flares and many M flares

? ? ? AR3664 fired two X flares during the observation period.

? ? An X1.0 late yesterday and an X2.3 flare at the time of this writing.

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— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 9, 2024

Sun news for May 8, 2024: X and M flares all day long

Sun activity is now very high. We saw two X flares and multiple M flares over the past day. Two active sunspot regions are the culprits of the X flares: AR3663 and AR3664. Added to the two Xs, the sun produced a long list of M flares, 17 in total. What a day! The sun continued to spark M and X flares all day. This is Solar Cycle 25, near or at its max! AR3663 is getting closer to the limb (edge) on the northwest, making its analysis difficult, but analysts can see it kept its beta-gamma-delta configuration (indicating a strong potential for more flaring). AR3664 has also developed a beta-gamma-delta configuration. AR3663 has decreased slightly in size, while AR3664 is now the largest region on the disk, at almost four Earth areas in size. The X1.0 flare from AR3664 appears to have produced a partial or full halo coronal mass ejection (CME). Further analysis will let us know if there is an Earth-directed component. These two fiery active regions still have the potential for more strong flaring production.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is very high. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 28 flares: two X flares, 17 M flares, and nine C flares. An X1.08 flare from AR3663 at 1:41 UTC on May 8 was the largest event of the time period. AR3664 then produced another X1.0 flare at 5:09 UTC on May 8. X and M flares during our observation period are:
– M2.5 by AR3664 at 11:50 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over northwest Africa.
– M1.5 by AR3663 at 12:54 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the northwest coast of Africa.
– M1.0 by AR3663 at 13:25 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
– M1.0 by AR3663 at 13:35 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
– M8.2 by AR3663 at 16:30 UTC on May 7. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Puerto Rico.
– M2.1 by AR3664 at 20:22 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Mexico.
– M3.3 by AR3663 at 21:26 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean off the east coast of Hawaii.
– M3.3 by AR3664 at 21:59 UTC on May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
– X1.08 by AR3663 at 1:41 UTC on May 8. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M1.1 by AR3668 at 2:06 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M3.4 by AR3668 at 2:27 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M1.9 by AR3664 at 3:27 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M2.0 by AR3664 at 3:42 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea.
– M3.6 by AR3664 at 4:30 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the China Sea.
– X1.0 by AR3664 at 5:09 UTC on May 8. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Thailand.
– M7.2 by AR3664 at 6:53 UTC on May 8. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over India.
– M4.5 by AR3663 at 7:41 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Arabian Sea.
– M1.9 by AR3663 at 9:37 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Red Sea.
– M2.1 by AR3663 at 9:48 UTC on May 8. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Red Sea.
AR3664 took the lead in flaring production of the period with an X flare, seven M flares, and seven C flares. The sun has six labeled regions on its Earth-facing side.

Sun news for May 7, 2024: X flare potential is 50% today!

We’ve had three days of high-to-very-high levels of sun activity, with intense solar flaring. And, in the past 24 hours, the sun kept up this high activity level, with an M5.2 flare from sunspot region AR3663. The most recent X flare happened earlier today, at 6:16 UTC on May 7. And thus experts have placed the X flare potential for today at 50%! That’s the highest we’ve seen it in a while. AR3663 produced three more Ms and 12 Cs during the past day. And thus AR3663 has emerged as the sunspot region of the week, producing a total of four X flares during the past weekend. Three of them happened within a 24-hour period between May 5 and 6, including an X4.6, one of the largest of Solar Cycle 25. Remember, back in February 2024, AR3590 also produced three X flares in less than 24 hours (February 21 and 22). AR3590 also produced the largest X flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far, an X6.4.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 21 flares: five M flares and 16 C flares. The largest event of the period was an M5.2 flare at 6:16 UTC on May 7 from AR3663. The M flares during our observation period are:
– M1.3 by AR3663 at 21:48 UTC, May 6. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Hawaii.
– M4.3 by AR3663 at 22:27 UTC, May 6. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the west of Hawaii.
– M2.7 by AR3663 at 00:58 UTC, May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M5.2 by AR3663 at 06:16 UTC, May 7. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Bangladesh.
– M1.3 by AR3668 at 08:31 UTC, May 7. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Oman.
AR3663 continues to be the lead flare producer of the period. It produced 16 total flares: four M flares and 12 C flares. The sun has nine labeled regions on its Earth-facing side. There’s a newcomer today on the northeast limb (edge), AR3670. We saw activity coming our way via the northeast and southeast limbs via prominences at around 9:25 UTC on May 7.

Sun news for May 6, 2024: X flare! Times 2

In the past day we had a X4.5 flare! It came after an X1.1 flare and 11 M flares over the past 24 hours. Most of these events came from AR3663, which produced the two X flares and nine M flares. The remaining two M flares came from AR3664. Both AR3663 and AR3664 have maintained their delta regions (meaning they have a high potential for flaring), and they’ve grown in area. Both regions are now close to 3.5 Earth-surface areas. SOHO LASCO imagery has been unavailable since the very end of April 3, so – in recent days – we haven’t known which coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are Earth-directed. But SOHO LASCO data is now restored, and space weather analysts have been producing the data for the past several days. Yesterday, an expected CME glancing blow impacted Earth, bringing auroras to mid-latitudes in Europe. We expect more geomagnetic activity today due to more CME impacts and the influence of fast solar wind from a coronal hole. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is very high during the past day with the production of two X flare and 11 M flares. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 23 flares: two X flare, 11 M flares, and 10 C flares. The largest event of the period was an X4.5 flare at 5:38 UTC on May 6 from AR3663. The X and M flares of the period:
– X1.3 flare by AR3663 at 11:41 UTC on May 5. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Africa.
– M1.5 by AR3663 at 12:47 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over Africa.
– M1.3 by AR3664 at 14:33 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
– M2.3 by AR3663 at 15:38 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over the Atlantic Ocean.
– M1.3 by AR3664 at 16:55 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over the Americas.
– M1.0 by AR3664 at 18:34 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over the Americas.
– M1.4 by AR3664 at 19:44 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.6 by AR3663 at 00:47 UTC on May 6. R1 (minor) blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M1.3 by AR3663 at 05:09 UTC on May 6. R1 (minor) blackout over Asia.
– M2.9 by AR3663 at 05:37 UTC on May 6. R1 (minor) blackout over Asia.
– X4.5 by AR3663 at 05:38 UTC on May 6. R3 (strong) blackout over Asia.
– M7.4 by AR3663 at 06:03 UTC on May 6. R2 (moderate) blackout over Asia.
– M1.5 by AR3663 at 09:49 UTC on May 6. R1 (minor) blackout over Africa.
The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3663, which produced 21 flares: two X flares, nine M flares, and eight C flares. The sun has nine labeled regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3669. A large prominence on the backside of the sun was captured by the GOES-R spacecraft around 16:41 UTC on May 5.

? ? Sun news for May 6, 2024: X flare! Times two

? ? ? An X4.5 flare! This after an X1.1 flare & 11 M flares. Most events came from AR3663, 2 X flares and 9 M flares.

? A CME glancing blow impacted Earth, bringing auroras

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/CBuaaNrs5x

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 6, 2024

UPDATE for May 5, 2024: Another X flare and 2 almost Xs

Update: X flare! Another one from AR3663 came shortly after our 24-hour observation period ended at 11:41 UTC. AR3663 is really going strong. It could be an exciting day.

? ? ? ? ? X flare! AR3663 is at it again! It just keeps on flaring. What’s next?

MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/xVTWUb2A56

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 5, 2024

Sun news for May 5, 2024: Pow, pow, pow! X flare and several almost-X flares

? ? Sun news for May 5, 2024: Pow, pow, pow! X flare and several almost-X flares

? ? ? X flare! AR3663 just can’t stop the flaring. In addition to the X flare, the region produced two almost-X flares, an M9.0 and an M8.4.

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/vhqwJM1DAL

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 5, 2024

Today’s top story: X flare! AR3663 just can’t stop the flaring. In addition to the X flare, the region produced two almost-X flares, an M9.0 and an M8.4. The region produced all but one of the flares during the observation period: one X, six M, and 14 C flares. The region is very magnetically complex, beta-gamma-delta, which is consistent with the region’s activity. The other region with complexity, beta-delta, is AR3664, which produced one of the period’s M flares. Both regions have continued some minor growth in size, with AR3663 being the size of 3.5 Earths and AR3664 being the size of 2.4 Earths. Several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with these various eruptions blasted out from the sun during the observation period. At the moment, we do not have enough imagery to determine the trajectory of these eruptions. A CME that left the sun during an C3.9 flare on May 3 will glance Earth on May 6. Keep up the excitement, AR3663! Stay tuned for more news.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high during the past day with the production of an X flare and seven M flares. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun produced 22 flares: one X flare, seven M flares, and 14 C flares. The largest event of the period was an X1.3 flare at 5:47 UTC on May 5 from AR3663. The X and M flares of the period:
– M1.3 flare by AR3663 at 18:10 UTC on May 4. R1 (minor) radio blackout over North America.
– M3.3 flare by AR3663 at 22:23 UTC on May 4. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M9.0 flare by AR3663 at 23:28 UTC on May 4. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– M8.4 flare by AR3663 at 1:15 UTC on May 5. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean.
– X1.3 flare by AR3663 at 5:47 UTC on May 5. R3 (strong) radio blackout over Asia (the largest blackout)
– M1.3 flare by AR3663 at 8:07 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Middle East.
– M2.4 flare by AR3664 at 9:23 UTC on May 5. R1 (minor) radio blackout over Africa.
– M7.5 flare by AR3663 at 9:53 UTC on May 4. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over Africa.
The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3663, which produced 21 flares: an X flare, six M flares, and 14 C flares. The sun has seven labeled regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3667.
Next 24 hours: The chance for C flares is 99%. The chance for M flares is 75%. The chance for an X flare is 25%.
Next expected CME: The current period has a lot of activity that has not been fully sorted out. The two M9 flares and the M8.4 flares may have coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with them. The same is true for the several smaller flares but there is not enough coronagraph imagery to finalize the analyses. A glancing blow from the CME associated with the C3.9 flare at 20:37 UTC on May 3 is expected to reach Earth on May 9. No other Earth-directed CMEs have been observed in coronagraph imagery.
Current geomagnetic activity: Earth’s magnetic field is quiet at the time of this writing (11 UTC on May 5). Periods of G1 (minor) geomagnetic storms are likely on May 5 due to high-speed solar wind from coronal holes and the anticipated arrival of the May 3 CME late in the day. Periods of G1-G2 (minor-moderate) geomagnetic storms are likely on May 6 due to continued CME activity and coronal hole influences. Active conditions are likely on May 7, with the expected onset of another coronal hole.

Sun news for May 4, 2024: Almost-X flare! And sun-stuff headed to Earth

? ? Sun news for May 4, 2024: Almost X flare and sun stuff headed to Earth

? ? ? Yesterday’s X1.7 flare produced a CME and after analysis, was determined to be Earth-directed.

? ? The sun stayed at a high activity level.

? MORE at EarthSky: https://t.co/xD29wLfm4e pic.twitter.com/NwVFClqsb8

— Dr. C. Alex Young (@TheSunToday) May 4, 2024

Today’s top story: Yesterday’s X1.7 flare produced a coronal mass ejection (CME). Now, modeling and analysis shows a component is Earth-bound. The sun-stuff should arrive late May 5 to early May 6. We have the possibility for a G1(minor) to a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm. And that means auroras! Over the past day, the sun stayed at a high activity level, producing an almost-X flare. Active region AR3663 produced an M9.1 flare at 6:19 UTC on May 4. This sunspot region kept flaring all day, releasing four Ms and eight C flares for a total of 13 flares during our observation period.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high during the past day with the production of an almost-X flare and six  M flares in total. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today, the sun released 20 flares:  six M flares and 14 C flares. On May 4, at 6:19 UTC, active region AR3663 in the northwest produced an M9.1 flare, which was the largest event. Shortly after the flare, an R2 (moderate) radio blackout affected an area over the Bay of Bengal. The M flares of the period:
M1.2 flare by AR3654 at 22:47 UTC on May 3. R1 (minor) radio blackout on the Pacific Ocean over Hawaii.
M1.1 flare by AR3663 at 23:16 UTC on May 3. R1 (minor) radio blackout on the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii.
M2.4 flare by AR3663 at 23:30 UTC on May 3. R1 (minor) radio blackout on the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii.
M1.6 flare by AR3663 at 0:36 UTC on May 4. R1 (minor) radio blackout on the west Pacific Ocean.
M9.1 flare by AR3663 at 6:19 UTC on May 4. R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Bay of Bengal. (The largest)
M1.5 flare by AR3663 at 7:07 UTC on May 4. R1 (minor) radio blackout over India.
The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3663, which produced 13 flares, four M flares (the M9.1 included) and 8 C flares. The sun has six labeled regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3666.
Next 24 hours: The chance for C flares is 99%. The chance for M flares is 75%. The chance for an X flare increased to 25%, as compared to yesterday’s 15%.
Next expected CME: Modeling and analysis of yesterday’s X1.7 event determined an associated coronal mass ejection (CME) is Earth-directed. The arrival is estimated to be late May 5 to early May 6. Two filament eruptions associated with active region AR3661 are under analysis. No other Earth-directed CMEs have been observed in coronagraph imagery.
Current geomagnetic activity: Earth’s magnetic field is quiet at the time of this writing (11 UTC on May 4). After the storm, there is calm. All perturbations calmed down to quiet levels after yesterday’s unexpected G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm. Conditions for G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming may occur today, from late May 5 to early May 6. The coronal mass ejection (CME) that the sun launched during yesterday’s X1.7 event would be the cause of this activity. There may be the additional influence of high-speed solar wind from coronal holes. Together with this coronal mass ejection (CME), there is a good chance for auroral displays. Clear skies, aurora watchers!

Sun news for May 3, 2024: KABOOM, X flare! Big storm at Earth

Kaboom! For the first time in over a month, the sun has blasted an X flare, the strongest category of solar flare. The X1.7 came from sunspot region AR3663 at 2:22 UTC on May 3. It caused a strong R3 radio blackout in an area over the Philippine Sea, south of Japan. The X flare marks a peak in the strong activity observed from this region recently; it’s been growing in size and magnetic complexity, becoming the only region to show a high potential beta-delta configuration. And it lived up to that potential! We’ve also seen excitement at Earth over the past day. An unexpected G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm started at 17:59 UTC on May 2, with the disturbance lasting for two three hour periods. Conditions for auroral displays were possible in northern latitudes as far south as Iowa and Oregon in the US. However, although some auroras were reported, the magnetic field orientation was not optimal for strong auroral activity. And on top of that, the storm occurred during the day over North America. But there’s still a chance for auroras tonight, so don’t put away those cameras …
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high after the production of an X flare and three M flares. Between 11 UTC yesterday and 11 UTC today we saw 24 flares: an X, three M flares, and 20 C flares. The largest event was, of course, the X1.7 flare from AR3663 at 2:22 UTC on May 3. Here’s a breakdown of the past day’s major flares:
M2.8 by AR3664 at 20:57 UTC on May 2. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii.
M2.7 by AR3664 at 0:15 UTC on May 3. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii.
X1.7 by AR3663 at 2:22 UTC on May 3. R3 (strong) radio blackout over the Philippine Sea south of Japan.
M4.4 flare by AR3663 at 8:11 UTC on May 3. R1 (minor) radio blackout over the Arabian Sea.
The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3663, which produced 13 flares: the X, an M, and 11 Cs. Closely behind was AR3664 in the southeast, which produced two Ms and seven C flares. The sun currently has seven labeled regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3665.

Sun news for May 2, 2024: Bye bye, AR3654

Sunspot region AR3654 has really grabbed our attention during its journey across the sun’s face. After growing to be as wide as 3 Earths, it blasted an enormous almost-X flare on Tuesday night. But now its time on the Earth-facing side of the sun is coming to an end, as it starts to rotate out of view. It’s given us a parting gift, though. Shortly after the almost-X flare, it launched a huge blob of sun-stuff – a coronal mass ejection (CME) – toward Earth. This is expected to arrive on May 4, possibly causing a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm. And that could mean auroras! Plus, although its position on the solar limb (edge) makes it hard to determine AR3654’s magnetic complexity, it does still appear to have the potential to produce some big flares. Let’s see if it’s got any final action in store for us.
Last 24 hours: Solar activity during the past day was moderate after the production of four faint M flares. Between 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today, the total flare production was 17: four Ms flares and 13 C flares. The largest event was an M1.9 flare from AR3654 at 14:44 UTC on May 1. All the M flares produced R1 (minor) radio blackouts over the sun-lit Earth. Here’s a breakdown of the M flares:
M1.8 flare by AR3654 at 14:32 UTC on May 1
M1.9 flare by AR3654 at 14:44 UTC on May 1 (the largest)
M1.8 flare by AR3663 at 22:31 UTC on May 1
M1.0 flare by AR3663 at 2:17 UTC on May 2
The lead flare producer of the period was active region AR3663 in the northeast quadrant, which produced six flares: two Ms and four Cs. The sun currently has six labeled regions on its Earth-facing side, including newcomer AR3664.

Sun news for May 1, 2024: Almost X flare! More to come?

An almost-X flare! It happened late yesterday (23:23 UTC on April 30). The M9.5 flare produced an R2 (moderate) radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii. It’s not uncommon for a large flare to follow an earlier large flare. Will we see a true X flare from AR3654? After yesterday’s blast, the region reduced its magnetic complexity. It’s now showing a beta-delta configuration, indicating a reduced potential for flaring. The sun’s rotation is about to carry this region out of view. It’s located close to the sun’s southwest limb (edge), and that location is making it difficult for experts to analyze its exact magnetic configuration. Stay tuned.
Last 24 hours: Sun activity is high with the production of an M9.5 flare. Between 11 UTC yesterday to 11 UTC today, the sun produced seven solar flares: four C flares and three M flares. The largest event was an almost-X flare, an M9.5 flare from active region AR3654 at 23:46 UTC on April 30. Prior to the M9.5, the region produced two small M flares, both of which – like the main flare – produced R1 (minor) radio blackouts over the Pacific Ocean. The lead flare producer was AR3654 with five flares, two Cs and the three Ms of the period, including the M9.5 flare. There are five regions on the Earth-facing side of the sun. There is a newcomer in the northeast quadrant, AR3663.