SolarHam News (February 2021)

Sunspots and Geomagnetic Storm Watch

February 23, 2021 @ 00:55 UTC

Visible Disk (Feb 23)

Geomagnetic Storm Watch / Incoming CME A coronal mass ejection (CME) generated by a southern hemisphere filament eruption on February 20th is predicted to possibly deliver a glancing blow to Earths geomagnetic field by late on February 23rd and into the 24th (UTC). Enhanced geomagnetic activity, possible reaching the minor (G1) geomagnetic storm threshold will be possible. More updates to follow whenever necessary. Pair of Sunspots Two new active regions (AR 2804 and AR 2805) formed rapidly on Monday. Very minor B-Class flares are being detected around AR 2804 in the northern hemisphere. An isolated C-Flare will also be possible. In the southern hemisphere, AR 2805 is showing signs of growth and will be monitored.

Geomagnetic Storm Watch

February 19, 2021 @ 20:20 UTC

Aurora Watch The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) has been pointing south for the past several hours on Friday and this is helping to disturb the geomagnetic field (Kp4). A further increase to minor (G1) geomagnetic storming will be possible during the next 24 hours as a coronal hole stream is now beginning to flow past Earth. Aurora sky watchers at higher latitudes should be alert. WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected Valid From: 2021 Feb 19 2015 UTC Valid To: 2021 Feb 20 0300 UTC Warning Condition: Onset NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor

Solar Update

February 18, 2021 @ 15:50 UTC

New Sunspot (Feb 18)

New Sunspots The visible disk is no longer blank. A spotted region turning into view off the NE limb could be assigned AR status later today. Elsewhere, a small region currently visible in the NW quadrant was assigned AR 2802 on Thursday. Very minor B-Flares possible during the next 24 hours. Image by SDO/HMI.

The Quiet Continues

February 15, 2021 @ 16:25 UTC

Blank Sun (Feb 15)

Solar Update Solar activity as far as sunspots and solar flares are concerned remains at a standstill. The visible disk is currently spotless and there is almost no chance for noteworthy solar flares in the short term. After a promising final quarter of 2020, the new cycle 25 is off to a slow start in 2021 with little to no sunspot activity. For now, we wait.

Aurora Show / Geomagnetic Storm Observed

February 8, 2021 @ 00:00 UTC

Aurora Display (Feb 7) Courtesy of Tree and Dar Tanner (Alberta, Canada)

Geomagnetic Storm Observed An extended period of minor (G1) geomagnetic storming was observed early Sunday morning thanks to an enhanced solar wind stream flowing from a series of geoeffective coronal holes. The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was tipped south for a long duration and this helped to fuel the storm. This resulted in a nice aurora light show for many across higher latitudes. Minor geomagnetic enhancements will remain possible during the next 12-24 hours. Visible aurora will be likely around the polar zones.

More Coronal Holes Facing Earth

February 5, 2021 @ 15:10 UTC

Coronal Holes (Feb 5) - SDO/AIA

Coronal Holes Face Earth A pair of small coronal holes (22 and 23) are now facing Earth. A solar wind stream flowing from these zones should reach our planet by February 6th or 7th and perhaps lead to another geomagnetic enhancement at higher latitudes. Aurora sky watchers should be alert beginning this weekend. Image by SDO/AIA.

Geomagnetic Disturbance / New Sunspot

February 2, 2021 @ 15:10 UTC

Visible Disk (Feb 2)

Coronal Hole Stream Reaches Earth A minor geomagnetic disturbance (KP4) is currently in progress due to a now geoeffective coronal hole stream moving past Earth. The solar wind is currently above 500 km/s and a brief period of minor (G1) geomagnetic storming may still be possible. Aurora sky watchers should remain alert during the next 24 hours. New Sunspot A small new sunspot popped up high in latitude in the northwest quadrant and was assigned AR 2801. So far it is not a threat for strong solar flares.