~ Space Weather~ Slight Chance of Flares

SLIGHT CHANCE OF FLARES: Sunspot 1575 has developed a 'beta-gamma' magnetic field that harbors energy for M-class solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 5% chance of an eruption during the next 24 hours. The odds are low, but if a flare occurs, it will be Earth-directed. Solar flare alerts: text, voice.

AUTUMN LIGHTS: The onset of northern autumn means it's aurora season. For reasons researchers don't fully understand, equinoxes are the best times to see Northern Lights. And, right on cue, the Arctic Circle is glowing. Casey Thompson sends this picture from Chatanika, Alaska:

"The auroras beamed right through the clouds over Chatanika on Sept. 21st," says Thompson. "Open water doesnt last long in the interior of Alaska, so it is always nice to find a place to get some reflections of the beautiful Lights along with a staple in Alaska history, the gold dredge."

The solar wind velocity this weekend is low, but at this time of year it only takes a gentle gust to ignite bright auroras around the Arctic Circle. High latitude sky watchers should remain alert for auroras. Aurora alerts: text, voice.

Switch to: Europe, USA, New Zealand, Antarctica
Credit: NOAA/POES

Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 1 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 1 quiet
explanation | more data

Interplanetary Mag. Field
B_total: 2.7 nT
B_z: 2.3 nT north
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1526 UT

Coronal Holes: 22 Sep 12

A solar wind stream flowing from the indicated coronal hole should reach Earth on ~Sept 23. Credit: SDO/AIA