Solar flares and more...

[Rick]

Over the last few days the Sun has been very active. There have been several X-class flares and at least 3 coronal mass ejections that might have Earth-directed components. Keep an eye out for auroral displays.

See https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/en/solar-activity/solar-flares.html

[Rick]

...and an X2.2 flare this morning to add to the fun.

[Rick]

...and an X1.0 one this afternoon. At last count that means there may be four coronal mass ejections with Earth-bound components that could stir up aurora and the like from tomorrow. If the night sky is clear, have a look north. You might get lucky.

[Rick]

X3.98 this morning...

[Rick]

First of the CMEs (or possibly a combined front from the first two) is expected to arrive by about 18:30 UTC.

[Rick]

Auroral displays all over northern and central Europe tonight.

[Rick]

...and an X5.4 flare around sunrise.

This solar storm is one of the biggest ever recorded.

[Rick]

My meteor cameras caught auroral activity most of the night. It didn't do the meteor detection many favours, but it's not something that happens often. At some point I will try to get something of the night's activity into the gallery, because it was a spectacular display. The world's news and social media sites will probably be full of photos far better, though.

[Roberto]

Great Rick, looking forward to your result.

Roberto

[Carole]

Been at DSC and only realised there was something afoot when I saw the massive sunspot group on Sue's Ha Solar scope.

Was in transit on the Friday evening and only managed some Smartphone images of the display.

Carole

[Rick]

Videos linked in Astrophotography (for want of a better place).

Sunspot group 3664 produced a couple more X-class flares (with associated CMEs) as it went round the far side of the Sun. One was X8.7, making it the strongest of this solar cycle so far. By comparison the X3.48 one that came after it was small...

Meanwhile, a sunspot group on the other side that's just rotating into view has also been producing some flares. There was one X2.99 one a day ago...

[Rick]

Sunspot group 3664 is just coming back round our side of the Sun, and this morning (0700z) it shot off an X 2.9 flare. An associated CME, aimed as it is, will miss the Earth. However, the group is still clearly active, so keep an eye out....