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Observations

Space Based Imaging

More data: SWAP, EUI

Ground Based Imaging

More: H-α, WL, Ca-IIK, Drawings

Ground Based Radio

More: ARCAS+HSRS, CALLISTO

Space Based Timelines

More data: LYRA, TSI

WDC Sunspot Index

More data: SILSO

Space Weather Services

Detections

Solar Map

Latest Alerts

Presto 2024-04-16

A faint partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in LASCO/C2 coronagraph data from 06:48 UTC on Apr 15. The CME is directed primarily to the North from the Earth's perspective and is likely associated with a small filament eruption near NOAA AR 3636. Current analysis suggests that this CME may have an Earth directed component, with a predicted arrival time of late on Apr 17 - early on Apr 18.

CACTus Halo 2024-04-18

A halo or partial-halo CME was detected with the following characteristics: t0 | dt0| pa | da | v | dv | minv| maxv| 2024-04-16T10:24:07.520 | 1.0 | 236 | 178 | 1690 | 182 | 1358 | 2011 t0: onset time, earliest indication of liftoff dt0: duration of liftoff (hours) pa: principal angle, counterclockwise from North (degrees) da: angular width of the CME (degrees), v: median velocity (km/s) dv: variation (1 sigma) of velocity over the width of the CME mindv: lowest velocity detected within the CME maxdv: highest velocity detected within the CME

Forecasts

  • Flare: M-class flares
    (≥50%)
  • Protons: Quiet
  • Geomagnetic: Active conditions
    (A>=20 or K=4)
  • All quiet: False
  • Provisional SSN: 207

Solar Activity

URSIgram 2024-04-17

Solar flaring activity was at moderate level, with multiple C-class flares and one M-class flare recorded in the past 24 hours. The largest flare of the period was an M1.1 flare, peaking at 18:02 UTC on Apr 16, associated with NOAA AR 3645. NOAA AR 3639, that has grown in size and became magnetically more complex (from beta-gamma to beta-gamma-delta) was the main driver of the flaring activity observed over the past 24 hours together with NOAA AR 3637 (beta-delta), NOAA AR 3641 (beta) and NOAA AR 3643 (beta-gamma). Other regions on the disc have simple configuration of their photospheric magnetic field (alpha and beta) and did not show any significant flaring activity. The solar flaring activity is expected to be at moderate levels over the next 24 hours, with M-class flares possible and a chance for X- class flare. A small filament eruption occurred in the southeastern quadrant from around 18:36 UTC on Apr 16. The associated coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in SoHO/LASCO C2 coronagraph data from 20:36 UTC onwards. The CME is directed primarily to the South from the Earth's perspective, analysis is ongoing to determine if there is an Earth-directed component. Another filament eruption was observed in the northern quadrant, first seen in SDO/AIA 304 at around 01:16 UTC on Apr 17. An associated faint CME can be seen in SOHO/LASCO-C2, however we are awaiting corresponding coronagraph data for further analysis. No other Earth-directed CMEs have been detected in the available coronagraph imagery over the past 24 hours. Small negative polarity equatorial coronal hole has began to cross the central meridian today, on April 17. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux was at nominal levels over the past 24 hours and is expected to remain so for the next 24 hours. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux, as measured by the GOES-16 satellite, remained below the 1000 pfu threshold. It is expected to remain below the threshold during the next 24 hours. The 24 hour electron fluence was at normal levels and is expected to remain at these levels for the following 24 hours.

Solar Wind

URSIgram 2024-04-17

Geomagnetic conditions reached minor storm levels (NOAA-Kp = 5, K-Bel = 5) between 18:00 and 00:00 UTC on Apr 16. Conditions then reduced to quiet to unsettled levels. The minor storm period was reached due to the prolonged period of negative Bz. Predominantly unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions are expected for the next 24 hours with further intervals of minor or moderate storm conditions possible, due to the anticipated arrival of CME late on Apr 17 - early on Apr 18. Over the past 24 hours, the solar wind parameters were slightly disturbed under the ICME influence. The total magnetic field reached 13 nT at 13:00 UTC on April 16, later decreasing to the values around 9 nT. The solar wind speed ranged between 350 km/s and 400 km/s. The southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field fluctuated between -12 nT and 8 nT. The interplanetary magnetic field phi angle varied between being directed towards the Sun to being directed away from the Sun. The effects of the CME are expected to slowly wane in the next 24 hours, further weak enhancement is possible from late on Apr 17- early on Apr 18 due to anticipated arrival of CME from Apr 15. On Apr 20 solar wind parameters might be slightly elevated due to the arrival of a high-speed stream from a negative polarity coronal hole, that started to cross the central meridian on Apr 17.

Research

News

Eye pleaser

A spectacular eruption took place on the Sun's farside on 11 April. The associated coronal mass ejection was not earth-directed.

Preparing for the eclipse

On 8 April 2024, a large part of the United States and Mexico will experience a total solar eclipse. Also at the STCE in Belgium, all eyes will be on the Sun. Three satellite instrument teams are preparing for unique, yet complementary, eclipse observations.

NOAA 13615

Active region NOAA 13615 was one of the larger sunspot groups so far this solar cycle. During its transit, it produced 1 X-class flare and 43 M-class flares, the latter is an exceptionally high number.
 

Activities

Ground Observations

The SIDC monitors the level of solar activity from the photosphere to the corona with ground based instruments located in Uccle and Humain.

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Space Instruments

To avoid the disturbing or blocking effect of the Earth atmosphere, EUV observations of the solar corona need to be made from space...

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Space Weather & Climate

We monitor and forecast solar variability to provide information services  to society and industry about the influence of space weather and climate.

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Data Processing & Distribution

Data processing is necessary to extract relevant information for research studies, whereas data distribution and visualization are part of ROB open data policy.

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Modeling

Modelling of Solar phenomena allows scientists to test theories and to predict Space Weather phenomena and their impact on Earth.

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Supporting Research

The SIDC shares and expands its expertise through interaction with both upcoming and experienced researchers.

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