Astroalert News
 The
Sun as it looked Monday, March 26th. Tuesday the big spot group
is more directly north of the Sun's center; the Sun's rotation
is carrying all the spots toward the right (celestial west). Courtesy
Big Bear Solar Observatory.
A significant
increase in solar activity has been observed during the last week
following almost 3 months of very quiet activity. The sun appears
to be in a state of energetic sunspot growth. This is evidenced
by the appearance of a large sunspot group that recently rotated
around the eastern solar limb. This sunspot group, which is now
visible to the PROTECTED naked eye, is the largest and most complex
sunspot group we have observed in many months. (Do NOT look directly
at the Sun to attempt to see this sunspot group. If you are interested
in looking at this sunspot group, please make certain you protect
your eyes properly. Even the slightest glance at the Sun will
result in permanent eye damage.)
Known as
NOAA Region number 9393, this sunspot group is magnetically complex
and large enough to be the source of very energetic solar activity
during the next week and a half as it rotates across the visible
face of the Sun. Major class M and X x-ray flares are possible
from this spot complex. Although no major flares have yet been
directly observed from this region, the appearance of additional
spots near this spot complex may provide the necessary impetus
for larger-scale solar flares to begin erupting. Other sunspot
groups visible are also capable of producing potentially energetic
levels of solar of activity.
Prospects
are improving for people anxious to observe auroral activity.
The odds are improving for an Earth-directed impact of a coronal
mass ejection should one of the sunspot complexes on the Sun produce
energetic activity. Aurora watchers are encouraged to keep a close
eye on the sky during the next week to 10 days. Good discussions
of possible activity and recently observed activity from seasoned
aurora photographers can be found at: http://www.spacew.com/aurora/forum.html
Images of
the Sun and the current naked-eye sunspot complex are available
at:
http://www.spacew.com/astroalert.html.
The Solar
Terrestrial Dispatch recently began providing a science oriented
IRC chat network service for those who are interested in discussing
topics relating to solar activity, auroral activity, space weather
and any other science oriented topics. Directly supported channels
include:
Mitch Battros
Producer - Earth Changes TV
http://www.earthchangesTV.com
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