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Observations

Space Based Imaging

More data: SWAP, EUI

Ground Based Imaging

More: H-α, WL, Ca-IIK, Drawings

Ground Based Radio

More: ARCAS+HSRS, CALLISTO

Space Based Timelines

More data: LYRA, TSI

WDC Sunspot Index

More data: SILSO

Space Weather Services

Detections

Solar Map

Latest Alerts

Presto 2024-12-08

An X2.2 flare (SIDC Flare 2856) was recorded with a peak time of 09:06 UTC on December 8, associated with SIDC Sunspot Group 305 (NOAA Active Region 3912). Type II radio emissions were detected at 09:05 UTC during the flaring activity, indicating there may be an associated CME. Coronagraph data will be analyzed when available to determine if any associated CME is Earth-directed. The 10 MeV proton flux is currently at background levels, but an increase may be possible due to this event, given the location of the source region.

Flaremail 2024-12-10

A class M6.4 solar X-ray flare occurred on 2024/12/10 with peak time 06:48UT

CACTus Halo 2024-12-08

A halo or partial-halo CME was detected with the following characteristics: t0 | dt0| pa | da | v | dv | minv| maxv| 2024-12-05T15:36:07.505 | 9.0 | 196 | 170 | 395 | 208 | 190 | 1008 t0: onset time, earliest indication of liftoff dt0: duration of liftoff (hours) pa: principal angle, counterclockwise from North (degrees) da: angular width of the CME (degrees), v: median velocity (km/s) dv: variation (1 sigma) of velocity over the width of the CME mindv: lowest velocity detected within the CME maxdv: highest velocity detected within the CME

Forecasts

  • Flare: M-class flares
    (≥50%)
  • Protons: Warning condition
    (increased activity)
  • Geomagnetic: Quiet
    (A<20 and K<4)
  • All quiet: False
  • Provisional SSN: 136

Solar Activity

URSIgram 2024-12-10

Solar flaring activity over the last 24 hours has been at moderate levels, with three M-class flares. The strongest flare was an M6.4 flare peaking at 06:48UTC on December 10, associated with SIDC Sunspot Group 335 (NOAA Active Region 3922, magnetic type currently undetermined). There are currently seven numbered active regions on the solar disk. The most complex ones are SIDC Sunspot Group 288 (NOAA Active Region 3917) and SIDC Sunspot Group 305 (NOAA Active Region 3912), both of magnetic type beta-gamma. SIDC Sunspot Group 305 (NOAA Active Region 3912) is currently rotating behind the west limb. SIDC Sunspot Group 334 (NOAA Active Region 3921, magnetic type alpha) has emerged in the southeast quadrant, west of SIDC Sunspot Group 288 (NOAA Active Region 3917). SIDC Sunspot Group 335 (NOAA active region 3922) has rotated on disk in the southeast quadrant. The solar flaring activity is expected to be at moderate levels over the next 24 hours, with M-class flares probable and a small chance for X-class flares. A coronal mass ejection (CME) was detected in LASCO/C2 imagery, lifting off the southeast limb around 07:05 UTC on December 10. The CME is most likely associated with the M6.4 flare that peaked at 06:48UTC on December 10 from SIDC Sunspot Group 335 (NOAA Active Region 3922). Due to the location of its source region, no impact on Earth is expected. No other Earth-directed CMEs were observed in the available coronagraph imagery. The positive polarity coronal hole in the northern hemisphere, SIDC Coronal Hole 82, has now crossed the central meridian. An associated high-speed stream may still arrive at Earth starting from December 11. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux was below the threshold level over the past 24 hours. It is expected to remain below the threshold level over the next 24 hours, pending no further eruptive activity. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux measured by GOES 16 and GOES 18 was below the threshold level in the last 24 hours and it is expected to remain so over the next 24 hours. The 24-hour electron fluence is presently at normal levels and is expected to remain so over the next 24 hours.

Solar Wind

URSIgram 2024-12-10

Geomagnetic conditions globally reached active levels (NOAA Kp 4) between 21:00 UTC on December 09 and 00:00 UTC on December 10 and have now decreased to quiet levels (NOAA Kp 2). Geomagnetic conditions locally reached active levels (K BEL 4) between 17:00 UTC and 19:00 UTC on December 10 and have now decreased to quiet levels (K BEL 2). Mostly quiet conditions, with a small chance of active intervals are expected globally and locally over the next 24 hours. The solar wind conditions (ACE & DSCOVER) were initially enhanced over the last 24 hours, most likely under the influence of the high-speed stream from the northern, positive polarity coronal hole (SIDC Coronal Hole 82). The solar wind conditions are now gradually returning to the slow solar wind regime. Speed values have decreased from around 540 km/s to 415 km/s. The interplanetary magnetic field decreased from 10 nT to 5 nT. The Bz component varied between -9 nT to 6 nT. The interplanetary magnetic field angle was predominantly in the positive sector. Mostly slow solar wind conditions are expected over the next 24 hours, with further enhancements still possible in case of a high-speed stream arrival starting from December 11.

Research

News

X2SUVI

X2 flare

An X2 flare was associated with a particular feature at radio frequencies.
Launch of Proba-3

December 5, 11:34 CET: Successful Proba-3 launch

“Signal received” After a smooth launch that was postponed by one day, operators and scientists waited to receive a first sign of life from the Proba-3 satellites.
Proba-3 in flight

Launch of Proba-3 on December 4 - postponed for one day

Proba-3 is the latest ESA mission to be launched on December 4, 2024. The exploitation of ASPIICS, the instrument imaging the solar corona, is in the hands of the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB), where the associated scientific research will also be coordinated.
 

Activities

Ground Observations

The SIDC monitors the level of solar activity from the photosphere to the corona with ground based instruments located in Uccle and Humain.

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Space Instruments

To avoid the disturbing or blocking effect of the Earth atmosphere, EUV observations of the solar corona need to be made from space...

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Space Weather & Climate

We monitor and forecast solar variability to provide information services  to society and industry about the influence of space weather and climate.

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Data Processing & Distribution

Data processing is necessary to extract relevant information for research studies, whereas data distribution and visualization are part of ROB open data policy.

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Modeling

Modelling of Solar phenomena allows scientists to test theories and to predict Space Weather phenomena and their impact on Earth.

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Supporting Research

The SIDC shares and expands its expertise through interaction with both upcoming and experienced researchers.

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