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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 2024-05-16

A Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) seen in SOHO/LASCO images as launched at 15 May 08:27 UTC is believed to be two separate CME originating from NOAA Active Regions (AR) 3670 and 3664. The first one is expected to arrive at Earth's environment on the second half on 17 May. The second is expected to deliver at most a glancing blow earlier the same day. A CME that registered in SOHO/LASCO images as emitted at 14 May 18:36 UTC is associated with the X8.7 flare of 14 May and is expected to deliver a glancing blow during the second half of 17 May. Due to the expected arrival of the CME of 15 May at approximately the same time, this glancing blow might not be apparent.

Flaremail 2024-05-15

A class X2.9 solar X-ray flare occurred on 2024/05/15 with peak time 14:38UT

CACTus Halo 2024-05-16

A halo or partial-halo CME was detected with the following characteristics: t0 | dt0| pa | da | v | dv | minv| maxv| 2024-05-15T16:24:07.474 | 6.0 | 263 | 232 | 436 | 607 | 162 | 1953 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: Event in progress
    (>10 MeV)
  • Geomagnetic: Active conditions
    (A>=20 or K=4)
  • All quiet: False
  • Provisional SSN: 201

Solar Activity

URSIgram 2024-05-16

Solar flaring activity was high as a triple-peaked X2.9 flare was detected during the last 24 hours. It was emitted from NOAA Active Region (AR) 3685 yesterday between 13:56 and 14:51 UTC. The first two peaks were at M2 and M3 levels, with the X2.9 peak registering at 14:38 UTC. The same AR produced the other significant event of the last 24 hours, an M1 today at 08:04 UTC. Since NOAA AR 3685 is located at the easter solar limb, its magnetic configuration and potential for flaring cannot be directly estimated. However, based on its current activity, M-class flares are expected from this AR in the next 24 hours, with a chance of an X-class flare. A Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) seen in SOHO/LASCO images as launched at 15 May 08:27 UTC is believed to be two separate CME originating from NOAA Active Regions (AR) 3670 and 3664. The first one is expected to arrive at Earth's environment on the second half on 17 May. The second is expected to deliver at most a glancing blow earlier the same day. A CME that registered in SOHO/LASCO images as emitted at 14 May 18:36 UTC is associated with the X8.7 flare of 14 May and is expected to deliver a glancing blow during the second half of 17 May. Due to the expected arrival of the CME of 15 May at approximately the same time, this glancing blow might not be apparent. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux, as measured by the GOES-18 satellite, remained above the 10 pfu alert threshold during the last 24 hours. It is expected remain at high levels, although it is very likely to drop below the alert level at some point in the next 24 hours. Additionally, there is a chance for another proton event from the newly-numbered NOAA Active Region 3685 in the next 24 hours. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux, as measured by the GOES-18 satellite, has now dropped to low levels during the last 24 hours, possibly as a result of the CME arrival of today 05:15 UTC. It is expected to remain at those levels for the next 24 hours. The 24h electron fluence was at moderate levels during the past 24 hours, but it is expected to decrease to low levels in the next 24 hours.

Solar Wind

URSIgram 2024-05-16

Geomagnetic conditions were affected by the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) arrival of today 05:15 UTC. Globally the conditions increased from unsettled (NOAA Kp 2- to 3+) to moderate storm (NOAA Kp 6, between 06:00-09:00 UTC) and minor storm (NOAA Kp 5-, between 09:00-12:00 UTC) levels. Locally they increased from unsettled (K BEL 2-3) to active (K BEL 4) between 06:00-12:00 UTC. Kp is expected to be at active to minor storm levels of the next 24 hours. Locally the conditions are expected to be at active to unsettled. Solar Wind (SW) conditions are affected by the arrival of the Corona Mass Ejection (CME) launched on 13 May. The SW speed increased from 400 km/s to 530 km/s today at 05:15 UTC as a result of the arrival. The total interplanetary magnetic field (Bt) was at the 3 nT level and has since increased to 17 nT. The North-South magnetic component (Bz) now fluctuates between -13 and 14 nT. The interplanetary magnetic field phi angle was directed away from the Sun until the event and now varies between both directions (away and towards the Sun). The effects of the CME are expected to remain in the next 24 hours.

Research

News

Front

The King is dead, long live the King?

While NOAA 3664 has rounded the Sun's west limb, a new X-class flare producing active region has shown up near the Sun's east limb.

Sunspots and aurora

Last weekend's polar lights have been witnessed by millions around the world. While many drove to dark places to watch this celestial spectacle, others grabbed a lawn chair and watched the baffling show from their own backyard. Children were woken up by their parents to watch the colours in the sky. The 10-11 May aurora certainly captured the attention and awe of the public and the media.

Brenda Dorsch

Extremely severe geomagnetic storm!

As expected, the first in a series of CMEs has arrived and unleashed its full power, resulting in an extremely severe geomagnetic storm. Further severe storming this weekend is possible. ***UPDATED (4)***
 

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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