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Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 Apr 18 0325 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 11 – 17 April 2016

Solar activity was at low levels throughout the period. Region 2529 (N09, L=342, class/area Eki/850 on 11 Apr) produced all of the C-class activity, the largest event a C5/Sf at 16/1958 UTC. An associated CME was observed off the west limb but was determined not to be Earth-directed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels on 11 and 12 April. High levels were reached from 13-18 April following coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) effects.

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels on 11 April. Unsettled to minor storm conditions were observed on 12-14 April due to effects from a negative polarity CH HSS. Active conditions continued into early 15 April but decreased to mostly quiet levels through midday on 16 April. A weak CME moved through late on 16 April increasing activity to unsettled to active levels. Quiet to active conditions continued into 17 April as CME effects subsided and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) ahead of an approaching positive polarity CH HSS.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 18 April – 14 May 2016

Solar activity is expected to be low with a slight chance for M-class flares on 18-20 April. As Region 2529 exits the west limb, activity is expected to decrease to very low levels with a chance for C-class activity from 21 April to 02 May. Low levels are expected to return from 03-14 May due to the return of old Region 2529.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels with the exception of 26-28 April, 01-03 May and 10-13 April following recurrent CH HSS events.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be unsettled to active on 18-19 April followed with quiet to unsettled levels on 20 April due to effects from a positive polarity CH HSS. Mostly quiet conditions are expected on 21-22 April. Unsettled conditions are expected on 23-26 April with isolated active periods likely due to a second recurrent, positive polarity CH HSS. Mostly quiet conditions are expected from 27-28 April. Unsettled to active conditions are anticipated on 29-30 April with minor storm periods likely on 29 April as a negative polarity HSS becomes geoeffective. Mostly quiet conditions are expected from 01-08 May with the exception of possible unsettled to active periods on 04 May due to an SSBC that has affected us the last few rotations. Unsettled to active conditions are expected on 09-11 May with minor storm periods likely as a recurrent negative polarity CH HSS moves into geoeffective position. Mostly quiet conditions are expected on 12-13 May followed by possible unsettled to active conditions on 14 May as a CIR impacts the Earth.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: + https://Twitter.com/NW7US + https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Get the space weather and radio propagation self-study course, today. Visit http://nw7us.us/swc for the latest sale and for more information!

Check out the stunning view of our Sun in action, as seen during the last five years with the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXN-MdoGM9g

We’re on Facebook: http://NW7US.us/swhfr

Take a front-seat view of the Sun in this 30-minute ultra-high definition movie in which NASA SDO gives us a stunning look at our nearest star.

This movie provides a 30-minute window to the Sun as seen by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), which measures the irradiance of the Sun that produces the ionosphere. SDO also measures the sources of that radiation and how they evolve.

SDO’s Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) captures a shot of the sun every 12 seconds in 10 different wavelengths. The images shown here are based on a wavelength of 171 angstroms, which is in the extreme ultraviolet range and shows solar material at around 600,000 Kelvin (about 1 million degrees F.) In this wavelength it is easy to see the sun’s 25-day rotation.

The distance between the SDO spacecraft and the sun varies over time. The image is, however, remarkably consistent and stable despite the fact that SDO orbits Earth at 6,876 mph and the Earth orbits the sun at 67,062 miles per hour.

Scientists study these images to better understand the complex electromagnetic system causing the constant movement on the sun, which can ultimately have an effect closer to Earth, too: Flares and another type of solar explosion called coronal mass ejections can sometimes disrupt technology in space. Moreover, studying our closest star is one way of learning about other stars in the galaxy. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. built, operates, and manages the SDO spacecraft for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C.

Charged particles are created in our atmosphere by the intense X-rays produced by a solar flare. The solar wind, a continuous stream of plasma (charged particles), leaves the Sun and fills the solar system with charged particles and magnetic field. There are times when the Sun also releases billions of tons of plasma in what are called coronal mass ejections. When these enormous clouds of material or bright flashes of X-rays hit the Earth they change the upper atmosphere. It is changes like these that make space weather interesting.

Sit back and enjoy this half-hour 4k video of our Star!  Then, share.  🙂

73 dit dit

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 Apr 11 0439 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 04 – 10 April 2016

Solar activity was at very low levels on 04-05 April with low levels observed from 06-10 April as Region 2529 (N09, L=341, class/area, Eki/820 on 10 April) began its transit across the solar disk. The region emerged as a large bipolar group that produced 15 low level C-class flares during the period. The largest flare was a long-duration C2 at 09/1342 UTC, however it also produced another long-duration C1 flare at 10/0934 UTC. Other activity included a 10 degree filament eruption, centered near N18E29, that erupted beginning at approximately 10/1000 UTC. An associated CME was observed off the NE limb at 10/1100 UTC. The CME is currently being analyzed, however it is likely that little to no impacts will occur given its location and direction.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels from 04-07 April with normal levels observed from 08-10 April. The highest flux value observed for the period was 3,924 pfu at 05/1605 UTC.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to (G1) minor storm levels. Solar wind parameters were at mostly nominal levels through the period until a solar sector boundary crossing (SSBC) occurred around 07/1737 UTC. During this time, total field increased to a maximum of 13 nT while the Bz component deflected southward for approximately 8 hours reaching a maximum of -13 nT. The geomagnetic field responded with G1-minor storm levels late on 07 April through early on 08 April.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 11 April – 07 May 2016

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels with a slight chance for M-class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flares until Region 2529 rotates off the NW limb on 21 April. Very low levels are expected from 22 April through 03 May. Low levels are expected once again from 04-07 May with the return of Region 2529.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 15-18, 24-28, and 30 April – 02 May due to coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) influence. Normal to moderate levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 12-15, 23-26, and 29-30 April with G1-minor storm levels likely on 13-14 and 29 April due to recurrent CH HSS activity. Unsettled to active levels are also likely on 04 May due to activity associated with an SSBC.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: + https://Twitter.com/NW7US + https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Get the space weather and radio propagation self-study course, today. Visit http://nw7us.us/swc for the latest sale and for more information!

Check out the stunning view of our Sun in action, as seen during the last five years with the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXN-MdoGM9g

We’re on Facebook: http://NW7US.us/swhfr

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 Apr 04 0340 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 28 March – 03 April 2016

Solar activity was at low levels on 28 March due to an isolated C2 flare from Region 2524 (N15, L=277, class/area Eho/340 on 19 March) at 0228 UTC. The rest of the period was dominated by very low levels as Region 2526 (S05, L=178, class/area, Cso/200 on 29 Mar) was the only spot group on the disk until the emergence of new flux on 03 April. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed during the period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels throughout the period.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to major storm levels (G2-Moderate) during the period. From 28-31 March, solar wind parameters indicated the influence of a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Solar wind speeds increased from near 450 km/s at the beginning of the period to around 590 km/s by early on 30 March before declining to a low around 330 km/s by 02 April. Total field slowly declined from 8 nT early in the period to 3 nT by 01 April. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to active levels on 28 and 30 March with quiet to unsettled levels on 29 and 31 March. Quiet conditions were observed on 01 April through midday on 02 April. At approximately 02/1344 UTC, a solar sector boundary crossing occurred into a negative (towards) sector followed by an increase in total field to a maximum of 18 nT at 02/1406 UTC while Bz reached a maximum negative deflection of -14 nT at 02/1522 UTC. Solar wind speed increased to near 540 km/s around 02/2131 UTC indicating the arrival of a co-rotating interaction region followed by another CH HSS. The geomagnetic field responded with unsettled to major storm levels (G2-Moderate) during the second half of 02 April. By 03 April, solar wind speed was in decline to around 400 km/s while total field measurements were near 6 nT. Quiet to active levels were observed on 03 April.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 04 April – 30 April 2016

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels for the forecast period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels with high levels on 04, 06-10, 14-18, and 26-29 April in response to recurrent CH HSS activity.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels from 05-08, 11-15, 24-27, and 30 April with (G1) minor storm levels likely on 13-14 and 30 April and (G2) moderate storm levels likely on 12 April due to recurrent CH HSS activity.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: + https://Twitter.com/NW7US + https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Get the space weather and radio propagation self-study course, today. Visit http://nw7us.us/swc for the latest sale and for more information!

Check out the stunning view of our Sun in action, as seen during the last five years with the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXN-MdoGM9g

We’re on Facebook: http://NW7US.us/swhfr

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 Mar 28 0122 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 21 – 27 March 2016

Solar activity was at predominately very low levels with an isolated C1 x-ray event observed on 23/0354 UTC from Region 2524 (N15, L=277, class/area Eho/340 on 19 Mar). No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed in coronagraph imagery.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels on 23 March, high levels on 22 March and moderate levels on 21 and 24-27 March.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to unsettled levels with an isolated active interval observed early on 23 March. The period began with quiet conditions, but increased to quiet to unsettled levels late on 21 March due to the onset of a weak, positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Predominately quiet to unsettled conditions persisted through early on 24 March under the influence of the positive poarity CH HSS. Wind speeds averaged about 425 km/s through midday on 23 March. A gradual increase was then observed to a peak of near 565 km/s early on 25 March before decreasing to about 350 km/s late on 26 March. From 21-25 March, total field (Bt) ranged between 1-10 nT while the Bz component varied between +9 nT to -5 nT.

Quiet conditions persisted from late on the 25th through 26 March. Predominately unsettled levels were observed on 27 March due to the onset of a co-rotating interaction region in advance of another positive polarity CH HSS. On 27 March, wind speeds increased to near 440 km/s, Bt reached a maximum value of 12 nT while the Bz component rotated between +8 nT to -9 nT.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 28 March – 23 April 2016

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels with a slight chance for C-class flares through the outlook period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at moderate levels on 28 March and on 01-03, 07-11 and 17-23 April. High levels are expected on 29-31 March, 04-06 and 12-16 April.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be reach G1 (Minor) storm levels on 02-03 and 11-13 April with G2 (Moderate) storm levels expected on 02 and 11 April due to the influence of recurrent, negative polarity CH HSSs. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected on 28-29 March, 04, 08, 14 and 23 April, with isolated active levels expected on 28 March and 23 April, all due to various CH HSSs. Mostly quiet condtions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: + https://Twitter.com/NW7US + https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Get the space weather and radio propagation self-study course, today. Visit http://nw7us.us/swc for the latest sale and for more information!

Check out the stunning view of our Sun in action, as seen during the last five years with the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXN-MdoGM9g

We’re on Facebook: http://NW7US.us/swhfr

This video is ten minutes of coolness.

This cool time-lapse video shows the Sun (in ultra-high definition 3840×2160 – 4k on YouTube) during the entire year, 2015. The video captures the Sun in the 171-angstrom wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light. Our naked, unaided eyes cannot see this, but this movie uses false-colorization (yellow/gold) so that we can watch in high definition.

The movie covers a time period of January 2, 2015 to January 28, 2016 at a cadence of one frame every hour, or 24 frames per day. This timelapse is repeated with narration by solar scientist Nicholeen Viall and contains close-ups and annotations. The 171-angstrom light highlights material around 600,000 Kelvin and shows features in the upper transition region and quiet corona of the sun.

The first half tells you a bit about the video and the Sun, and you can see the entire year 2015 rotate by.  The second half is narrated by a NASA scientist.  It is worth watching all ten minutes.  And, then, sharing!

The sun is always changing and NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory is always watching.

Launched on Feb. 11, 2010, SDO keeps a 24-hour eye on the entire disk of the sun, with a prime view of the graceful dance of solar material coursing through the sun’s atmosphere, the corona. SDO’s sixth year in orbit was no exception. This video shows that entire sixth year–from Jan. 1, 2015 to Jan. 28, 2016 as one time-lapse sequence. Each frame represents 1 hour.

SDO’s Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) captures a shot of the sun every 12 seconds in 10 different wavelengths. The images shown here are based on a wavelength of 171 angstroms, which is in the extreme ultraviolet range and shows solar material at around 600,000 Kelvin (about 1 million degrees F.) In this wavelength it is easy to see the sun’s 25-day rotation.

During the course of the video, the sun subtly increases and decreases in apparent size. This is because the distance between the SDO spacecraft and the sun varies over time. The image is, however, remarkably consistent and stable despite the fact that SDO orbits Earth at 6,876 mph and the Earth orbits the sun at 67,062 miles per hour.

A blending of an entire year, 2015, of the Sun as seen by NASA SDO at EUV 171 Angstroms

Why This is Important

Scientists study these images to better understand the complex electromagnetic system causing the constant movement on the sun, which can ultimately have an effect closer to Earth, too: Flares and another type of solar explosion called coronal mass ejections can sometimes disrupt technology in space. Moreover, studying our closest star is one way of learning about other stars in the galaxy. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. built, operates, and manages the SDO spacecraft for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C.

For us radio enthusiasts, the study of the Sun helps us understand the dynamics of radio signal propagation.  And, that aids us in communicating more effectively and skill.

Thanks for sharing, voting, and watching.  More information and live Sun content can be accessed 24/7 at http://SunSpotWatch.com

You can also get the Space Weather and Radio Propagation Self-study Course at http://SunSpotWatch.com/swc

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 Mar 21 0054 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 14 – 20 March 2016

Solar activity ranged from very low to low levels during the period. Low levels were observed on 15, 16 and 19 March due to isolated, weak C-class flares from Regions 2521 (N19, L=029, class/area Dao/080 on 14 Mar) and 2522 (N14, L=078, class/area Cao/040 on 15 Mar). No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed in coronagraph imagery.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at moderate levels on 14, 15 and 19 March and high levels on 16-18 and 20 March.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to minor storm levels (G1-minor). The period began with quiet conditions, but increased to unsettled to minor storm levels late on 14 March due to the onset of a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) in advance of a coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) that originated from a negative extension off of the southern crown. With the CIR, wind speeds rapidly increased from about 360 km/s to near 565 km/s by late on the 14th. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) responded with total field (Bt) readings of 23 nT while the Bz component rotated between +18 nT to – 19 nT.

Geomagnetic field conditions remained elevated through 18 March with quiet to minor storm levels. Solar wind conditions also remained enhanced with wind speeds that approached 600 km/s midday on the 17th. Bt and Bz relaxed by early on 15 March with Bt fairly steady at 10 nT with Bz varying between +/- 8 nT. 18 and 19 March saw quiet to active levels due to prolonged periods of southward Bz. During this time frame, wind speeds averaged about 425 km/s.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 21 March – 16 April 2016

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels with a chance for C-class activity throughout the outlook period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be high levels on 21-22 March, 04-06 April and 12-16 April. Normal to moderate levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G2-moderate storm levels on 02 April with G1-minor storm levels expected on 03, 11-13 April due to the influence of recurrent, negative polarity CH HSSs. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period under a nominal solar wind regime.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: + https://Twitter.com/NW7US + https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Get the space weather and radio propagation self-study course, today. Visit http://nw7us.us/swc for the latest sale and for more information!

Check out the stunning view of our Sun in action, as seen during the last five years with the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXN-MdoGM9g

We’re on Facebook: http://NW7US.us/swhfr