CHANCE OF FLARES: Sunspot AR1465 has developed a 'beta-gamma-delta' magnetic field that harbors energy for strong flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 20% chance of M-class eruptions during the next 24 hours. Because the active region is located on the Earthside of the sun, any flares from AR1465 will likely be geoeffective.
Even without a strong eruption from AR1465, ionization waves are already rippling through Earth's upper atmosphere. Dave Gradwell of Birr, Ireland, recorded a series of sudden ionospheric disturbances (SIDs) on April 27th:
Low-level flares from several sunspot groups (especially 1465, 1466 and 1467) are strobing the atmosphere with ionizing radiation. Using a VLF receiver, Gradwell detected their effect on the propagation of radio signals transmitted from France. So far the disturbances have been relatively weak, but this could change if AR1465 unleashes a more potent eruption over the weekend. Solar flare alerts: text, phone.
Solar wind
speed: 430.5 km/sec
density: 0.0 protons/cm3
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1633 UT
X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C1 1416 UT Apr28
24-hr: C1 0901 UT Apr28
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 1600 UT
Daily Sun: 28 Apr 12
New sunspots are emerging at the circled location. Credit: SDO/HMI
Sunspot number: 99
What is the sunspot number?
Updated 27 Apr 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 27 Apr 2012
The Radio Sun
10.7 cm flux: 118 sfu
explanation | more data
Updated 27 Apr 2012
Current Auroral Oval:
Switch to: Europe, USA, New Zealand, Antarctica
Credit: NOAA/POES
Planetary K-index
Now: Kp= 1 quiet
24-hr max: Kp= 3 quiet
explanation | more data
Interplanetary Mag. Field
Btotal: 4.2 nT
Bz: 3.9 nT south
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1635 UT
Coronal Holes: 28 Apr 12
There are no large coronal holes on the Earthside of the sun. Credit: SDO/AIA.
