~11~22~11~ Space Weather Update Emergence of triple~sunspot group AR1356

~Emergence of triple-sunspot group AR1356~

Solar wind
speed: 345.7 km/sec
density: 9.6 protons/cm³
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at 1346 UT

X-ray Solar Flares
6-hr max: C3 0954 UT Nov22
24-hr: C4 0404 UT Nov22
explanation | more data
Updated: Today at: 1300 UT

Daily Sun: 21 Nov 11

New sunspot 1356 produced a significant CME a few days ago while it was on the farside of the sun. Credit: SDO/HMI

ANTARCTIC SOLAR ECLIPSE: On Nov. 25th the Moon will pass in front of the sun, slightly off-center, producing a partial solar eclipse visible from Antarctica, Tasmania, and parts of South Africa and New Zealand. Maximum coverage occurs about 100 miles off the coast of Antarctica where the sun will appear to be a slender 9% crescent. [animated map]

QUIET SUN : Solar activity is low, but this could change with the emergence of triple-sunspot group AR1356. This morning in Brisbane, Australia, Dennis Simmons photographed the sunspot's three dark cores rotating over the northeastern limb:

Just a few days ago, while it was still on the farside of the sun, this active region erupted and hurled a bright CME toward Venus. Could Earth be next? NOAA forecasters estimate a 30% chance of M-flares during the next 24 hours, and this sunspot group is a likely source. Stay tuned. Solar flare alerts: text, phone.

LAST SUNSET: As northern winter approaches, darkness is enveloping the countries of the Arctic. In fact, yesterday in Tromsø, Norway, night fell less than ten minutes after sunrise. Fredrik Broms photographed the sun during its few minutes above the horizon:

"After a long slow dawn, the sun rose for one of the last times of the year today," says Broms. "My girlfriend and I went out to say a last goodbye to the sun and minutes after sunrise the dusk began. Here in Tromsø the polar night period lasts from November 25 - January 17, but because of the surrounding mountains, the sun is due to set on November 22. Together with several other people who attended to pay a last farewell to the Sun today, we say thank you for 2011, sun. We'll see you again in January

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