Solar Information

Solar images from SOHO

The Sun Now

Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope image at 284 Angstrom (to 2 million degrees K)



Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) image showing sunspots



Magnetogram image showing magnetic field, black and white show opposite polarities

Information from the Space Weather Prediction Center, Boulder, CO
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Aurora Activity

Solar Cycle

Sun Spot Number Progression

Last 5 cycles Sun Spot Number Progression

Solar Wind

3-day Solar-Geophysical Forecast

:Product: 3-Day Forecast
:Issued: 2024 Dec 21 1230 UTC
# Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
#
A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 3 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Dec 21-Dec 23 2024 is 3.67 (below NOAA
Scale levels).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Dec 21-Dec 23 2024

             Dec 21       Dec 22       Dec 23
00-03UT       3.33         1.67         2.33     
03-06UT       3.33         1.33         2.67     
06-09UT       2.00         1.33         2.00     
09-12UT       3.00         1.33         2.00     
12-15UT       3.67         1.33         1.00     
15-18UT       2.67         1.67         2.00     
18-21UT       0.67         1.33         2.00     
21-00UT       0.67         1.67         2.67     

Rationale: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.  No
significant transient or recurrent solar wind features are forecast.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Dec 21-Dec 23 2024

              Dec 21  Dec 22  Dec 23
S1 or greater    5%      5%      5%

Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm
production is forecast.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

Radio blackouts reaching the R1 levels were observed over the past 24
hours. The largest was at Dec 21 2024 0038 UTC.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Dec 21-Dec 23 2024

              Dec 21        Dec 22        Dec 23
R1-R2           60%           60%           60%
R3 or greater   10%           10%           10%

Rationale: R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts are likely, with a
slight chance for R3 (Strong) or greater events, over 21-23 Dec.