Quick Activity Update - X-Flares, New Active Regions (ARs), Farside

Hello! It's been an interesting 24 hours. We had 2 big parting X-flares from AR3664 (X8.79 and X3.48), plus another one from the new, unnamed AR coming over the eastern limb (X2.99). *None of these flares pose CME threats*.

The solar activity has really ramped up over the last week and a half. We're seeing lots of unstable sunspots and growth, and lots of big flares. As expected with Solar Max. To me, this is all pretty exciting as we wait years for this kind of activity and chance for auroras.

Let's take a quick look at the flares: https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/assets/img/latest/mpeg/latest_512_0131.mp4

[GIF]

We have sunspot AR3679 on the eastern side that recently became classified as β-γ-δ – Beta-Gamma-Delta: (A sunspot group with a beta-gamma magnetic configuration but contains one (or more) delta sunspots). Keep an eye on this one as it could grow-up in the days ahead. Lots of magnetic potential surrounding it, and imo growth seems to increase as spots like this point toward earth's pull.

[Image]

Then we have the new, unnamed AR just coming around the eastern limb. It produced the X2.99 from earlier and looks big, and like it is coming in hot.

Always good to keep an eye on the farside. Here's a look at the GONG farside map, below: https://stereo-ssc.nascom.nasa.gov/beacon/beacon_farside.shtml

I tried to point out which AR's we are seeing on the graph below. (E: Updated image as AR3679 was pointed to the wrong spot. Added AR3674).

[Image]

The SDO farside map shows the strong active region (SAR) that produced the X2.99 on the eastern limb. http://jsoc.stanford.edu/data/farside/

[Image]

Keep a look out, fellow Watchers. -NWS

in SolarMaxby naturewalksunset

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18d

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qzcorral

18d

Where should one go to start learning about the fundentals of space weather? I am lowkey addicted to this sub and consider myself a fast learner, but only understand about half of what I read here through context. I am whatever level is lower than a noob when it comes to space weather, having never considered the topic before this past week.

I am so fascinated by the bits I do understand, and wish many blessings upon the house of u/ArmChairAnalyst86 for their clear and constant communication!

ArmChairAnalyst86

17d

Qz, glad to have you. It's been a ride on my end and you are welcome at my hearth for meat and mead this cycle, and the next.

And I bestow the highest honor on NWS for his stewardship of the house of the rising sun. May you command legions.

I don't say it because we have shared salt under this roof and a kindness deserves a kindness. I say it because honor demands it.

He is right. This may sound like a shameless plug, but you could get a really good start with the articles and comments here. You simply would not believe the things I've learned in the comment section, not just of reddit, but many places. Truly invaluable insight. Whether it's here or SWL, real stuff gets talked about. Real events covered in depth and real time and I've written ALOT. There are articles and updates galore. The Carrington event article is a good one, but not all.

Solarham.net

Swl

Wiki

Chatgpt

My personal favorite - books.

Long term observation

Build a community

Those are the steps thar I have taken. My only qualifications are listed above. I make no bones about that but I'm a thinker. Everyone is different, but thats how I got here, and boy do I still have so far to go. Comments are my strongest recommendation. A little tedious, but invaluable.

Thanks again for coming here and helping make it awesome. It's outgrown just me for sure.

qzcorral

17d

So many resources!! Thanks a bunch, off I go on a learning adventure! ☀