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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 2024-04-25

A slow partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in the LASCO/C2 coronagraph imagery starting at 18:00 UTC on April 23rd. The CME is propagating to the south-west and has an estimated projected velocity around 400 km/s. The eruption appears related to the M2.9 flare, peak time 17:44 UTC on April 23rd, produced by NOAA AR 3638. An associated type II radio emission was observed starting at 17:10 UTC on April 23rd with estimated velocity of 358 km/s. Analysis of this event suggests no to possibly minor glancing blow impact on Earth late on April 27th.

Forecasts

  • Flare: M-class flares
    (≥50%)
  • Protons: Warning condition
    (increased activity)
  • Geomagnetic: Minor storm
    (A>=30 or K=5)
  • All quiet: False
  • Provisional SSN: 132

Solar Activity

URSIgram 2024-04-26

Solar flaring activity was at moderate levels over the past 24 hours with only two low M-class flares. There remain 16 numbered active regions on the visible solar disc. NOAA AR 3645 (beta) is now rotating behind the west limb. NOAA AR 3643 (beta-gamma) and NOAA AR 3648 (beta-gamma) have decreased their complexity, while NOAA AR 3654 (beta-gamma) has exhibited growth and increased its magnetic complexity. The strongest activity was an impulsive M1.4 flare, start time 17:03 UTC, end time 17:16 UTC, peak time 17:12 UTC on April 25th produced by NOAA AR 3638 (beta) from behind the west limb. The solar flaring activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels over the next days with likely M-class flaring and decreasing chances for isolated X-class flaring. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have been observed in the available coronagraph imagery over the past 24 hours. A positive polarity mid-latitude coronal hole continues to reside on the central meridian in the southern hemisphere. The high speed stream emanating from it might arrive to Earth on April 28th, possibly superimposed with expected preceding high speed stream arrival. Over the past 24 hours the greater than 10 MeV GOES proton flux was at background levels and is expected to continue so over the next days, pending any fast eruptive solar activity. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux as measure by GOES 16 and GOES 18 has briefly exceeded the 1000 pfu threshold over the past 24h and has currently returned back to low values, well below the1000 pfu threshold. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux as measure by GOES 16 and GOES 18 is expected to remain below the 1000 pfu threshold in the upcoming days. The 24h electron fluence was at boundary of nominal to moderate level and is expected to be at nominal levels during the upcoming days.

Solar Wind

URSIgram 2024-04-26

The geomagnetic conditions over the past 24 hours were quiet to unsettled. Predominantly quiet to active conditions are anticipated for April 26th - April 28th with possible isolated minor storm levels. Over the past 24 hours the solar wind parameters (ACE and DSCOVR) were indicative of a mild transient arrival. This could be a glancing blow from the ICME related to the M3.4 flaring produced by NOAA AR 3638 on April 21st. The solar wind velocity was slow varying between 281 km/s and 387 km/s. The interplanetary magnetic field (B) was mildly enhanced reaching a maximum value of 10.2 nT and a minimum Bz of -9.3 nT. The B field phi angle was predominantly in the negative sector (directed towards the Sun). The solar wind conditions are expected to continue to experience mild enhancements throughout April 26th - April 27th with a possible further mild glancing blow arrival late on April 27th. Enhanced solar wind conditions are expected to continue on April 28th - April 29th with expected mild high speed streams encounters from several positive polarity coronal holes.

Research

News

Soar like an eagle

Solar activity has risen dramatically during the last week, with sunspot numbers near their highest levels so far this solar cycle and an average of 2 to 3 M-class flares during almost every day.

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.
 

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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