Once again I did not get the chart and photo to copy but they can be viewed at
spaceweather.com for Wednesday 4 September. All commentary is from the author
Data from 2 September
Solar wind
speed:
394.9 km/sec
density:
1.73 protons/cm3
more data:
ACE,
DSCOVR
Updated: Today at 0131 UT
SUNSPOT NUMBERS CONTINUE TO INCREASE: Last month, the average sunspot number exceeded 200 for the first time in 23 years, significantly exceeding official forecasts. The surge could be a harbinger of strong solar activity for years to come. It's also great news for sky watchers as we enter the equinox aurora season.
UNEXPECTED CME IMPACT: A CME hit Earth's magnetic field today, Sept. 4th at 1030 UTC. The unexpected impact jolted the USGS magnetometer in Boulder, CO, by 40 nT, a fairly stout blow. A
G1 geomagnetic storm watch is in effect as a result of the CME's arrival.
CME impact alerts: SMS Text
SOLAR CYCLE 25 CONTINUES TO SURGE: Solar activity continues to intensify. In August 2024, the average
monthly sunspot number exceeded 200 for the first time in 23 years, almost doubling the official forecast:
The current solar cycle (Solar Cycle 25) wasn't expected to be this strong. When it began in Dec. 2019, experts predicted it would be weak like its immediate predecessor Solar Cycle 24. Instead, Solar Cycle 25 may be on pace to rival some of the stronger cycles of the 20th century. Already in May 2024 we have experienced
a century-class geomagnetic storm with auroras sighted in the South Pacific, central America and south Africa.
The last time sunspot counts were this high, in Sept.-Dec. 2001, the sun was winding up to launch the
Great Halloween Storms of '03, which included the strongest X-ray solar flare ever recorded (
X45) and a CME so potent it was felt by Voyager at the edge of the solar system. A repeat is not guaranteed, but current sunspot counts tell us it's possible.
Years from now, we may look back and realize that 2024 was the maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Or not; the original "
official forecast" predicted Solar Max would occur in July 2025. Either way, we probably have at least 2 more years of high solar activity ahead. Stay tuned