BIG NEW SUNSPOT: A large sunspot group is rotating into view over the sun's northeastern limb. The emergence of this apparently significant active region could herald an increase in solar activity. Solar flare alerts: text, phone.
"SUPER MOON" TONIGHT: Tonight's full Moon is a perigee moon, as much as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full moons of 2012. This is a harmless but beautiful astronomical phenomenon. Enjoy the moonlight! [video] [full story] [Moonshots: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5]
Solar wind
speed: 283.7 km/sec
density: 1.4 protons/cm3
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1713 UT
X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: M1 1323 UT May05
24-hr: M1 1323 UT May05
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 1700 UT
Daily Sun: 05 May 12
A large sunspot group is emerging at the circled location. Credit: SDO/HMI
Sunspot number: 101
What is the sunspot number?
Updated 05 May 2012
Spotless Days
Current Stretch: 0 days
2012 total: 0 days (0%)
2011 total: 2 days (<1%)
2010 total: 51 days (14%)
2009 total: 260 days (71%)
Since 2004: 821 days
Typical Solar Min: 486 days
Updated 05 May 2012
The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 114 sfu
explanation | more data
Updated 05 May 2012
Current Auroral Oval:
Switch to: Europe, USA, New Zealand, Antarctica
Credit: NOAA/POES
Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 2 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 2 quiet
explanation | more data
Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 5.6 nT
Bz: 0.8 nT south
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1717 UT
Coronal Holes: 05 May 12
Solar wind flowing from this coronal hole should reach Earth on May 9-10. Credit: SDO/AIA.
